The Housing Commission is calling on young people aged 18-39 to participate in a survey designed to gain insight into the experience of purchasing and renting accommodation in Ireland.

Established last year in line with the Government programme, Housing For All, The Housing Commission is responsible for conducting independent evaluations of the housing system in Ireland, like issues of tenure, standards, sustainability, and quality of life issues related to the provision of housing.

The survey, designed and carried out by The Housing Commission, contains a series of multiple-choice questions that record both demographic and income information. All submissions are anonymous and confidential, with no response linked back to a particular individual or organisation.

As an active union in the fight for more and better housing opportunity, Fórsa is encouraging members aged between 18 -39 to complete the survey no later than the 9^th of June 2023.

The survey can be accessed here:

https://redclive.online-host.solutions/ASP/P022938HC/loginHC.asp?sorg=18

Any additional questions can be relayed to Juliette Cooper at jcooper@forsa.ie.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

Fórsa strongly condemns the recent attacks and threats against asylum seekers across the country, and stands in solidarity with refugees, international protection applicants and their representative organisations.

The recent disturbing sights of groups of people blocking roads and burning down encampment sites has been a troubling development, and the targeting and abuse of those outside the International Protection Office on Mount Street in Dublin is further evidence of attacks by the far right and their supporters on vulnerable individuals seeking safety and refuge.

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights has already raised concerns about the issue of homelessness among international protection applicants in Ireland and said the State may not be meeting the minimum requirements under European law.

Fórsa General Secretary, Kevin Callinan condemned the attacks and said that the best way to defeat the far right is by delivering decent work, wages, rights, public services, and homes for all.

“The trade union movement stands with refugees and international protection applicants and their representative organisations. We will continue to build solidarity between working people of all backgrounds and to work towards ensuring that the messages of the far right never gain mainstream traction in our unions, communities, and workplaces”.

The Irish Congress of Trade Union has also supported calls by the Irish Refugee Council for asylum seekers without accommodation to be brought off the streets immediately and placed in temporary accommodation to ensure their safety. 

ICTU called on Government to urgently address the failures in our international protection system and work with communities in providing a supportive environment for those seeking protection.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

Fórsa’s Global Solidarity Autumn School will take place on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th November in Nerney’s Court, Dublin.

The school will provide a unique opportunity for interested members to discuss a range of international, trade union and human rights issues.

Delegates will hear about projects that Fórsa actively fund across the world, and it will also be an opportunity to hear about the union’s global solidarity work.

More information on the event will be circulated to branches in the coming weeks. In the meantime, members can contact internationalsolidarity@forsa.ie if they have queries.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

New research published by the European Confederation of Trade Unions (ETUC) claims that low pay is exacerbating Europe's labour shortages, and employers should offer better-paid jobs to address the issue.

A recent analysis of job vacancy rates and wages in twenty-two EU countries shows that industries hardest hit by labour shortages pay an average of 9% less than those who find it easier to recruit. This trend has caused production problems for a quarter of EU companies after the EU job vacancy rate reached a new high last year.

Although a lack of skills is often blamed for labour shortages, the new analysis of EU data shows that low pay is one of the main drivers. The ETUC's research institute, the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI), reveals a clear connection between low wages and high vacancy rates.

General Secretary of Fórsa, Kevin Callinan said that low-pay and the impact of inflation on living standards is causing a cost-of-living crisis across Europe:

“This research has shown that there is a correlation between low wages and labour shortages. Ireland’s social wage is very low by comparison to other modern EU countries. Our public service employment is also completely out of step with our EU partners. Increased wages and cost of living supports will continue to be the focus for Fórsa as we progress with public service pay talks to ensure we remain at close to full employment.”

In thirteen out of twenty-two EU member states, the industries that experienced the most significant labour shortages between 2019 and 2022 also offered the lowest wages. The countries with the most significant pay gaps between sectors with the highest and lowest increases in labour shortages were Italy (€4.17 an hour), Luxembourg (€4.16), Germany (€3.26), the Netherlands (€2.49), and Greece (€1.51).

The ETUC Congress recently called on national governments to extend their support to unions to increase the proportion of workers covered by collective bargaining in a bid to raise pay rates and eliminate low pay contributing to Europe's labour shortage.

Speaking at their four-yearly Congress, ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said:
 
“Decent pay is good for workers, good for employers, and good for Europe. Low pay is fuelling the cost-of-living crisis, while labour shortages are harming Europe’s economic performance and public services. It’s clear from this data that low pay is one of the main factors driving Europe’s recruitment challenges.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

KennCo Insurance offer Fórsa members a special discount on their travel insurance.

Our low cost Annual Multi-Trip cover costs just €64.90 (effective 1/1/23) for Fórsa members which includes cover for your spouse/partner and dependent children.*

This Fórsa member offer covers individuals, couples and families with Travel Insurance to protect your holiday.

*Dependent children up to and including 17 years old only or if still in full time education up to and including 22 years old. Applies to individuals 70 years and under only. You must be living with your partner for at least 6 months. Terms and conditions will apply.

Main Features

• Annual Multi-trip cover
• Worldwide
• 365-day, 24 hour emergency medical assistance service during your insured trip
• Cancellation & Curtailment – up to €6,000
• Lost Baggage – up to €3,000
• Medical & Emergency Expenses – up to €10,000,000
• Personal Accident – up €30,000
• Travel Delay and Disruption – up to €6,000
• Public Liability – up to €2,500,0000
• Winter Sports & Scuba Diving Included
• Cruise cover up to €300

Terms, conditions and excesses will apply.

Get more information and a secure quote HERE. 

KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.

Fórsa members can now save 50% on their AA Roadside Rescue plan, through a new and exclusive union negotiated scheme.

This new AA Roadside Rescue offer provides for 24/7 roadside breakdown assistance in Ireland and the UK for just €6 a month, and will provide cover whether driving or as a passenger.

This new offer can be accessed exclusively through this portal.

Contact the AA here for more information.