Dear members,  

As this new year begins, I have been reflecting on how the bonds we share as union members shape our identities as individuals and our strength as a collective. When you join the union, you become part of a branch, a division, perhaps also a professional committee, and most importantly you join a community of 97,000 members who have your back. While we join as individual workers, through our membership we become stronger as a collective. By standing together, we amplify each other’s voices and create the conditions for all of us to be more than the sum of our parts. 

Fórsa may be a young union but our roots reach way back throughout the history of the Irish trade union movement, and our collective achievements over the past twelve months have shown that our union will continue to be a vital force for workers into the future. 

From a high-profile seven-day strike by school secretaries and caretakers, to union recognition agreements with employers that had previously refused to engage, to pay agreements for workers in Pobal, Barnardos, the IAA and for CE scheme supervisors to name but a few, and raising the alarm about the staffing crisis in the health sector, we have delivered real, meaningful results for members. You can read more about last year’s highlights here.  

This year already, our members working in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) roles in local authorities, and clinical measurement physiologists in the Health Service Executive (HSE) have served notice of industrial action in long-running disputes. 

While disputes may be our bread and butter, our focus on our future strength will not waver. A core part of our mission is to build power and grow in strength, density and size. I am proud that we are now within touching distance of hitting 100,000 members, with sustained growth over the past two years, as reported at the start of the year by The Irish Times. 

This year we will undoubtedly face new challenges, many of which may be caused by decisions made far from our shores. A key priority for me this year will be ensuring that public servants are not caught in the headwinds of changing geopolitical circumstances or used as a political football domestically.  

We know that the cost-of-living crisis continues to be felt harshly, and that the roll-back on remote work is a cause of serious concern for members. Indeed, in last year’s survey of members nearly three out of four members (73%) said their standard of living has worsened and a majority told us that protection of remote and flexible work is their most important issue after pay.  

Demonstrating our strength and unity of purpose in the months ahead will be essential as the current Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 expires in June, after two final pay increases, due on 1st February (1% or €500, whichever is greater) and on 1st June (1%).

The survey results informed the development of our ‘A Better Deal’ campaign, which in turn lays out our ambitious agenda for the next pay talks. We’ll be fighting for real pay rises above inflation, resolution of local bargaining claims, a fair work-life balance, targeted investment in public healthcare and housing.   

Using the local bargaining clause of the current agreement we have negotiated tangible results for members in the civil service, who voted to accept proposals which will shorten the journey through pay scales. We will now move to negotiating similar agreements in linked grades and groups in the public sector and press for discussions on all outstanding claims. 

The beginning of the year coincides with AGM season. I encourage all members to look out for information about their upcoming branch AGM and attend. Whether you are a recent member or have been in the union for years, and even if you have never been to a branch meeting, please do go along to the AGM, and consider putting yourself forward to join your branch committee. It could be the first step towards a lifetime of union activism, or simply a way to make new friends. Either way it will shape your future identity as an individual, and as part of our collective endeavour.  

There is much work ahead of us, but as the saying goes, many hands make light work. Together we have already achieved so much, and I know that much more lies ahead. 

Beir Bua, 

Kevin Callinan 
General Secretary 

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Fórsa represented school secretaries and caretakers at the Labour Court on Monday (12th January) as part of the ongoing dispute over pension provision and related pay and conditions issues. 

The Court heard the union’s case and has now adjourned. A recommendation will issue in due course. Once that recommendation is received, members of the union’s school secretaries and school caretakers branches will be consulted on whether to accept or reject its terms. 

The Labour Court process follows the breakdown of talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) last November, when no progress was made on the provision of comparable pension benefits or the recognition of prior service.  

At Monday’s hearing, Fórsa set out in detail why current arrangements fail to provide school secretaries and caretakers with pension outcomes comparable to those available across the public service. 

The union outlined how the new auto-enrolment savings scheme would require members to pay higher contributions while receiving lower employer contributions, resulting in inferior pension outcomes. Particular emphasis was placed on the position of members over the age of 60, who are excluded from auto-enrolment entirely, despite having given long and significant service. 

Commenting on the hearing, head of the union's Education division Andy Pike said the Labour Court provided an important opportunity to put forward the union’s proposals for resolving the dispute and to argue for equal treatment for members. 

While the pension parity claim is now before the Labour Court, three additional claims (covering caretaker pay levels, bereavement leave, and sick leave) remain in process at the WRC. 

Branch chairs Luisa Carty and David Hearne have thanked members for their continued patience and determination throughout a long and demanding campaign, including last year’s strike action. Both emphasised that the Labour Court stage represents a significant step forward in securing a fair and lasting outcome. 

Fórsa will keep members fully informed as soon as the Court’s recommendation is issued. 

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Discussions between Fórsa and the Department of Education and Youth on the new Special Needs Assistant (SNA) redeployment scheme are close to being finalised. 

The new arrangements will provide for an offer of redeployment to be made to SNAs in posts declared surplus following the announcement of the SNA allocations by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) for September 2026.  

In order to facilitate the introduction of redeployment, the SNA allocations have to be announced by the end of February. This is the reason for the short timescale for processing the exceptional reviews requested by schools.  

In March the NCSE will begin the process of assembling a national redeployment panel, which will be hosted on a new IT platform. This will contain details of the schools with vacancies and of the SNAs who may have been deemed surplus in their current school. The platform will enable the NCSE to provide details to those schools with vacancies of any SNAs available for redeployment within a 45km radius.  

The redeployment process will conclude by the end of May to enable SNAs to take up new posts at the start of the next school year (2026/2027). The NCSE will host a webinar for SNAs over the coming weeks to explain how the redeployment process will work.  

Current indications are that many new special classes will be opening in September and the overall number of SNA posts allocated across schools will increase by 1,700, as announced in the October budget.  

Therefore, the union is not anticipating significant numbers of SNA posts being declared surplus, and where any post is affected, the opportunity for redeployment will provide a genuine alternative to redundancy for members. Schools will be required to use the redeployment panel to fill all SNA vacancies, including those arising from retirements and resignations, before proceeding with local recruitment once the panel of SNAs within the 45km limit is exhausted.  

Fórsa will provide briefings for members on exactly how the new system will work as soon as the Department publishes the redeployment Circular which is expected to issue over the coming weeks.  

Head of the Education division Andy Pike said: “The establishment of a redeployment process for SNAs delivers a key objective for the union. Our SNA members have sought greater job security or many years, and the new redeployment scheme will provide this, whilst preserving the rights of SNA members to opt for redundancy if that is their preferred option.” 

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On Wednesday 14th January, the Department of Education and Youth formally launched the National Conversation on the Future of Education, a process inviting the public to help shape Ireland’s education system.  

Speaking at the event, Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton emphasised that this process is the first of its kind in over 30 years, that it will inform a National Convention on Education later this year, and feed into a new long-term strategy for education.  Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley and Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan also spoke at the launch.

The last National Convention on Education took place in 1993. This new national conversation will take the form of surveys, submissions processes, school community engagements and regional consultations. 

The Department acknowledged that the education system must be fit for purpose and be able to face increasing challenges such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the increasingly complex needs among children and young people, and reiterated a commitment to ensuring that appropriate education facilities, including special education provision, are available in every community, as close as possible to where children live.  

As part of the launch, the Department has opened a national survey and is encouraging participation from across the education sector, with SNAs and other education workers specifically encouraged to take part. The survey asks participants to reflect on changes they are already seeing in the education system and their hopes for the future. It can be accessed here. 

Encouraging people to take part Minister Naughton said: “The Convention on Education is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for young people, parents, educators and wider society to help shape Ireland’s education system for decades to come, to ensure our young people can stake their claim in this new world.” 

Head of the Education division Andy Pike said: “Our members need a system that is coherent, planned and consistent not one that shifts according to the Minister of the day. In particular, special education has expanded hugely since the 1990s, and there needs to be real clarity on strategy and a framework for special education provision for the future.” 

“This clarity is essential for delivering the best outcomes for children and their families, and to provide certainty and sustainability for the workers who support them.” 

Andy continued: “Investment in education infrastructure and services must be matched by investment in the public sector workers who deliver them. Any vision for the future of education must recognise the central role of our members and be underpinned by fair pay, secure employment, and improved terms and conditions.  

“Through this process of engagement, and across all our work, Fórsa will continue to argue that valuing education means valuing education workers.” 

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Fórsa has told the Government that Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which begins in July, must put housing, healthcare and the cost of living at the centre of the EU agenda. 

In a recent submission to a consultation run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the union argued that the three interconnected crises of housing, healthcare and cost of living are currently having a significant impact on workers’ living standards, the delivery of public services and social cohesion in Ireland, and right across Europe. You can find Fórsa’s full submission here.

Fórsa’s submission highlights the significant challenges facing Europe’s labour market and makes specific recommendations for Ireland’s Presidency on each of the three priority themes. 

General secretary Kevin Callinan said: “The EU Presidency is a chance for Ireland to put workers’ lived experience at the centre of European decision-making. It is our view that anything less than an ambitious, proactive approach to tackling these interconnected issues would be a significant missed opportunity for the Presidency and for workers across Europe. 

Kevin continued: “We have used this submission to highlight the top three priorities affecting Irish workers, and people across Europe, which we believe should be given particular attention during Ireland’s Presidency.” 

“Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency should place the lived experiences of workers, particularly younger workers, centre stage. We know these are our members’ core issues because they have told us in numerous surveys. Our research reflects not just personal experiences, but widespread concerns around over-stretched and under-resourced public services. Interventionist policies on housing, healthcare and the cost of living must now be prioritised if the EU is to address the realities of people’s everyday lives.” 

The cost-of-living crisis, rising housing costs, and pressures on essential public services have left many struggling to make ends meet. With 84% of Fórsa members advocating for a real pay rise that goes beyond the rate of inflation as part of the next public sector agreement, their demands and concerns could not be clearer. 

Beyond pay and working conditions, Fórsa members have also outlined targeted investment in healthcare as their top priority, followed by housing, with care for older people notably following close behind. 

Fórsa’s submission outlined that housing is now the single most destabilising issue facing workers. While house prices across the EU have risen sharply since 2010, Ireland has seen far steeper increases, with rents more than doubling and home ownership slipping further out of reach for younger workers. 

Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) in January 2025 showed that 69% of people aged 25 were still living with their parents, and 85.8% were “very concerned” about the housing crisis. 

According to Eurostat, house prices in Europe have increased by 57.9% since 2010. This compares to an 80% increase in the same period in Ireland. The cost of renting is also a significant problem. Rents in Europe have increased by 27.8% since 2010. This compares to an increase of 115% in Ireland. 

To counter this, Fórsa said Ireland must use its Presidency to drive the delivery of affordable public homes across Europe, including the implementation of the European Affordable Housing Plan and expanded cost-rental models.  

On healthcare, Fórsa stressed that without a major shift towards public investment and workforce planning, healthcare systems across the EU risk long-term decline or even collapse. Staff shortages, burnout and a growing reliance on private sector agency providers are challenges present across Europe. Fórsa also warned that current models disproportionately impact women, who make up the majority of care workers and continue to carry the burden of unpaid care. 

The submission called for a strong EU-wide response, including better implementation of the EU Care Strategy, a European healthcare workforce plan, and targeted investment in public provision and long-term care. 

The union also argued that the Presidency must confront the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, noting that most Fórsa members say their standard of living has declined in recent years. Despite inflation stabilising, Fórsa told Government that workers are still falling behind. Nearly three-quarters of members responding to Fórsa’s latest survey said their standard of living has worsened, with younger and lower-paid workers hit hardest.  

Fórsa’s director of campaigns Kevin Donoghue said: “These interconnected crises demand coordinated EU action, not short-term fixes or further privatisation. Fórsa has consistently argued that joined-up thinking is needed.” 

“The submission once again calls for a new social compact which would bring together government, employers, and unions to support Ireland and the EU to better address or resolve present and future challenges, such as healthcare, childcare, education, housing, and climate change. Such a system would also strengthen the EU’s resilience and ability to respond to any future crises.” 

You can find Fórsa’s full submission here.

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Katie Morgan has been appointed to the role of deputy general secretary (DGS), following an internal competition and ratification by the National Executive Committee (NEC) in November 2025. Katie had been head of the Services and Enterprises division of the union since 2022. 

During her time at the helm of Services and Enterprises, the division grew its membership by 33%, achieved over ten new recognition agreements, and negotiated over fifty new collective labour agreements and pay deals.  

Following Matt Staunton’s retirement, Katie began the role on 1st January 2026 and has hit the ground running.  

Speaking about her new role, Katie said: “I’m honoured to follow in Matt’s footsteps and want to pay tribute to his immense contribution to our union.  

“The past year has been really positive for Fórsa. Membership is growing; in 2025, almost 13,000 workers joined Fórsa, and at the start of this new year we are at 97,000 members, within reaching distance of hitting our ambitious goal of 100,000 members. That’s down to the hard work of reps, branches and staff. In this new role, I want to strengthen and expand operations to further support our organising efforts and campaigns.” 

General secretary Kevin Callinan said: “Over the years she has worked in Fórsa, Katie has demonstrated that her tenacity, dedication, and hard work can make real inroads for members. As vice president of Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), she had a central role in developing the cross-union nationwide Better in a Trade Union campaign. As an activist, organiser and leader, she brings experience and enthusiasm to the DGS role which will be critical to building our union further.” 

 Katie has spent over 15 years working in the trade union movement in Ireland and abroad. She has been Vice President of ICTU since 2023 and was appointed to board of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in 2025.  

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The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has condemned the continued blocking of Irish-funded maternity care from entering the Gaza strip and has urged the Irish Government to engage with its Israeli counterparts in ensuring the aid reaches those in need. 

In a letter to Minister Helen McEntee this week, ICTU urged the Irish Government to make representations directly to the Israeli Government, as well as through the United Nations (UN) and European Union, to allow the entry of medical aid into Gaza.  

The mobile maternity units, which were part funded by donations from across the island of Ireland, have been developed to provide women in Gaza with safe and secure maternity care. The units have been denied access due to restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities on the entry of medical vehicles into Gaza. 

As a result, the units are unable to cross despite being ready for deployment. 

ICTU vice president and Fórsa deputy general secretary, Katie Morgan, said: “The deliberate blocking of Irish-funded maternity units from entering Gaza is a cruel and indefensible act that directly endangers the lives of women and babies. This is not a bureaucratic delay, it is a political decision by the Israeli state to inflict collective punishment on a civilian population.” 

“Silence or half-measures from the international community are not acceptable, and the Irish Government must challenge Israel to end this obstruction and allow lifesaving care into Gaza immediately,” said Katie. 

According to the United Nations, around 130 babies are born each day across Gaza. More than a quarter are delivered by caesarean section. One in five is born too early or underweight, often with complications that would normally require specialised care. 

UNICEF said that in October alone, 8,300 pregnant and breastfeeding women were admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition, contrasting this with the stark reality that there was no ‘discernible malnutrition’ in Gaza before October 2023. 

ICTU said the sole purpose of these maternity units is to provide the most fundamental care to women and infants in Gaza, and it was inexplicable that they would be denied entry at the border. 

President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: “After years of violence, brutality, and genocide, the people of Gaza urgently need access to medical care, and we were heartened by the response of the Irish public in funding specially fitted units for maternity care. The continued refusal to allow them to enter the Gaza strip is a blatant breach of the most fundamental of human rights.” 

The coordination efforts are led by Medics World Wide, working closely with key humanitarian and coordinating bodies, most notably the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Egyptian Committee. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

As we roll into the new year, the Skills Academy has a full programme of training and information sessions ready for 2026. These tailored trainings offer Fórsa members, activists and representatives, opportunities to build skills, deepen their understanding of union work, and connect with colleagues all over the island.  

From monthly online Live Lunch & Learn sessions to in-person training courses, all programmes are open for registration until capacity is reached.  Courses do fill up, so don’t delay!  

To help branch officers and workplace representatives navigate the application process, a new infographic guide has also been published with step-by-step instructions on how to apply for courses - make sure to lash this out to your branch and get them up to speed. 

Friday 30 January 2026 

Live Lunch & Learn: The Work of Fórsa’s International Committee (Online) 

This session explores the role and impact of Fórsa’s International Committee and the importance of international solidarity in trade union work. Guest speakers include Richy Carrothers, head of the local government & local services division and head of the municipal employees division, and Michael Smyth, Fórsa’s treasurer, who’ll caution against insularism and make the case for solidarity beyond borders. 
 

To register for Live, Lunch & Learn.

Tuesday 3 February 2026 

Time Management – Nerney’s Court 

Make the clock work for you. A one-day course for NEC, DEC and BEC members focusing on planning, prioritisation, delegation and goal setting to better balance union, work and personal responsibilities. 

Tuesday 10 February 2026 

Public Speaking – Nerney’s Court 

This is ideal for workplace representatives, branch officers and conference delegates who want to put themselves out there and argue their corner. The course builds confidence and practical skills for speaking at meetings, Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and conferences. 

Wednesday 11 February 2026 

Fórsa Induction (Online) 

 
An introductory session explaining how Fórsa operates and how members can engage to improve their workplaces, with morning and evening options available. 

Tuesday 17 February and Tuesday 3 March 2026 

Presentation Skills – Nerney’s Court 

Learn how to make an effective pitch. A two-day intensive course for NEC, DEC and BEC members focused on effective communication and presentation delivery.  Attendance on both days is required. 

Thursday 19 February 2026 

Industrial Conflict Resolution (Level 2) – Nerney’s Court 

A follow-on course for experienced representatives who have completed earlier industrial relations training, focusing on managing and resolving workplace conflict. 

Tuesday 24 – Thursday 26 February 2026 

Level 1 Workplace Representative Training – Sligo Regional Office 

 
A three-day compulsory programme for new workplace representatives or those with less than two years’ experience, covering core representative skills and organising. 

Wednesday 18 March 2026 

Branch Chairs and Secretaries Training – Nerney’s Court 

Training for newly elected branch chairs and secretaries, outlining role responsibilities and building key leadership and organisational skills.  

Tuesday 24 – Thursday 26 March 2026 

Level 1 Workplace Representative Training – Wexford Union Office 

A three-day foundational programme for new workplace representatives in the South-East, focusing on representation, recruitment and workplace organisation. 

To register for any of the above courses contact your branch secretary or training officer.

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The next Fórsa Youth meet up will take place on Thursday 22nd January in Galway, followed by a meeting on Friday 23rd January in Fórsa’s office in Galway. The meeting will focus on Fórsa Youth motions for the biennial conference, plan the year’s schedule of events, and discuss further training for youth reps.  

In December 2025, Fórsa Youth hosted a What the Fórsa?! information night for members, new, and old, and for those who are curious about joining. The night focused on answering questions on membership, campaigns, and how to get more involved. It was also an opportunity for attendees to meet and mingle over some wine and cheese!  

The evening featured an insightful panel consisting of Fiona Dunne, director of membership training & development, Kevin Donoghue, director of campaigns and Bridget Moylan, Fórsa Youth’s own public relations officer. The panel discussed what a union is, how unions help workers, and the importance of attracting more members to strengthen the movement. There was also a focus on campaigns, with Kevin assuring members that they are very welcome to get involved with the union and with Fórsa campaigns. The event was chaired by Fórsa Youth chair Hugh McInerney, who guided the discussions and facilitated questions from the audience. 

Fórsa Youth wants to thank Fórsa HQ for hosting the night, and to the panellists for their excellent contributions. 

Fórsa Youth provides opportunities for members to become more active and engaged with the union’s mission. If you are interested in joining Fórsa Youth at a future event or getting involved in building youth membership in your workplace, please email youthsec@forsa-rep.ie.  

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

Be in with a chance of winning a €500 Gift Card for the Choice Hotel Group with Arachas and enjoy a stay in one of their beautiful hotels located in Galway, Ennis, and Dublin. 

This Fórsa member exclusive competition will run until Tuesday 31st March 2026, with the winner being announced soon after. 

To enter members will need to renew or take out a new motor or home insurance policy with Arachas before the deadline. 

Arachas (formerly Glennon) is Ireland’s largest nationwide insurance broker, with a wealth of experience in supporting public sector employees. Their team of over 750 insurance specialists, based across 14 offices in towns and cities nationwide, provides advice on a full range of insurance products and services tailored to public sector employees’ evolving needs. 

The €500 Gift Card is redeemable at The House Hotel, Galway,The Hardiman Hotel, Galway, Hotel Woodstock, Ennis, and the Shoreline Hotel, Dublin. 

If you wish to get a quote and enter the competition, you can find more information on the Arachas page on our website. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.