Public service trade unions are preparing for what could become a very politically significant round of pay talks, with negotiations expected to begin “in the coming weeks” ahead of the expiry of the current agreement at the end of June. 

Recent media coverage has highlighted growing expectations that unions will seek substantial pay improvements, alongside wider measures addressing the pressures facing public service workers. 

In The Irish Times this week, Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said the union side would not simply repeat the approach taken in previous negotiations, warning that workers have experienced a sustained erosion of spending power due to rising living costs and taxation changes that have failed to keep pace with inflation: “We’re not going to sit down with the Department of Public Expenditure at the Workplace Relations Commission and do a deal like we’ve done for the last 15 years,” he said. 

Kevin also indicated that any longer-term agreement would need to include meaningful engagement on wider “common-good issues” affecting workers and public services, including housing and remote working arrangements. In the absence of broader progress on these issues, he suggested that only a shorter-term agreement may be realistic. 

The current agreement has delivered pay increases worth 10.25% over two-and-a-half years, including provisions for local bargaining, and a final 1% increase due on 1st June. However, unions argue that many workers continue to face rising household costs, fuel pressures, childcare expenses, and housing affordability problems. 

The issue of commuting and fuel costs has also become increasingly prominent in recent weeks. 

The union’s ‘A Better Deal’ campaign is also expected to shape the backdrop to upcoming pay negotiations. More than 40,000 Fórsa members have now signed the campaign pledge, which calls not only for pay increases above inflation, but also for progress on issues including remote and flexible working, local bargaining claims, housing, healthcare investment, and the wider cost-of-living crisis. The campaign is designed to demonstrate collective strength ahead of negotiations and underline the scale of support for the broader approach to the next agreement. 

Irish Congress of Trade Unions President and general secetary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) Phil Ní Sheaghdha has said unions would seek “significant” pay increases and criticised the Government’s slow response to calls for improved mileage rates for nurses and midwives working in the community. 

Echoing the broader union position, she said the next talks “must be about more than just pay,” arguing that affordable housing, childcare, and working conditions are now central issues for public servants. 

The Government has confirmed that discussions on a successor agreement are due to begin shortly. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is due to address Fórsa delegates at the conference next week in Killarney, where motions on pay and working conditions will be central to the debate.  

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The A Better Deal campaign is gaining momentum as the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 expiry date approaches. 

Have you signed? If not don’t delay and click here now. If you have already signed, send this link to your colleagues and friends. The more people that sign, the louder our voice will be. 

Deputy general secretary Katie Morgan said: “In less than a month over 12,000 more people have signed the pledge. That’s a clear indication that our members are united and serious about what they want out of the next public sector pay deal.”

“Now, we want to keep that momentum going – we need to show our strength in numbers, by encouraging all members covered by the public service agreement to pledge their support for A Better Deal. So if you haven’t already done so, sign the pledge today, and if you have, make sure you forward this to anyone you know covered by the pay deal. It would be a massive sign of strength if we can increase pledge signatures before next week’s Conference.”

The Better Deal pledge calls for pay increases above inflation, protection of flexible and hybrid work, resolution of local bargaining claims, and targeted public investment in healthcare and housing. Since November Fórsa activists and workplace reps have been building collective power in their workplaces by talking to their colleagues about the pledge and collecting signatures. Read more about it here. 

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Bigger and better than ever, Trade Union week 2026 saw Fórsa branches organise over 130 events across the country to celebrate the value of unions and worker solidarity. 

Branches organised coffee mornings, ice-cream vans, information stands, presentations, gigs, and more. Sharing ice-cream, coffee, and every variety of cake and pastry with fellow members to celebrate the occasion. The week ran from Monday 27 April to Friday 1st May, with events taking place daily. 

In the Local Government and Local Services division, particular creativity and inspiration were on show. 

In Galway, unions came together to host a film festival over the Mayday weekend. Billed as a “cinematic showing of worker strength” the festival was opened by former President Michael D. Higgins. 

Three days of films, talks and workshops about the labour movement took place at Nun's Island Theatre and in Áras na nGael. The films screened included We Only Want the Earth: the Life and Ideas of James Connolly (2025); Blood Fruit (2014), which tells the story of 11 Dunnes Stores workers who went on strike after they refused to handle South African produce; and 9 to 5 (1980), a cult comedy starring Dolly Parton in which a group of female office workers conspire to overthrow their sexist boss.  

Fórsa member Adam Stoneman explained that when the branch were trying to think of how best to celebrate Trade Union week, they decided to “do it in true Galway style – with a fleadh”. 

President Michael D and Sabina Higgins opened the May Day Film Festival in Galway

The Dún Laoghaire Rathdown (DLR) local government branch welcomed over 100 members to their event, with folk singer Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin on hand to share a few tunes at the start of the proceedings 

This year the focus was on the Four Day week, with Tash Wark, of the Australian Services Union, speaking on the Australian experience and Kevin Donoghue, Fórsa's director of campaigns, speaking about the benefits of the Four Day week more generally. 

Workplace rep for libraries in DLR, Thomas Earls Fitzgerald said: “The high attendance and level of interest today show the keen interest in the Four Day week.” 

Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin and his bosca ceoil at Dún Laoghaire Rathdown.

Fórsa official Padraig Mulligan said: “It was wonderful to see how creative and enthusiastic our branches were. From donut dates with your union in Westmeath, to colouring outside the lines competitions in Loais, and a workers film festival in Galway, there really was something for everyone.” 

This year, for branches covered by the public service pay agreement, the A Better Deal pledge was a key theme, with members taking the opportunity to explain the value of signing the pledge to their coworkers. This approach proved successful given the notable increase in pledge signings from workplaces which hosted events. 

In Cork County Hall, the Cork Health & Local Government branch organised a raffle and a coffee van to provide coffee and pastries for members. 

Not only were they blessed with fine weather on the day, but they were also joined by some unexpected special guests. Branch secretary Cliadhna Dinneen said: “We wanted to give something back to our members, update them on the preparations for the upcoming pay talks, and give them the opportunity to meet their local Fórsa representatives and officials.” 

“Luckily, a separate event in City Hall that day meant that we also got to share this with some of our lovely SNA colleagues in the Education division,” she continued. 

Cork Health and Local Government share coffee and pastries at Cork City Hall, with a visit from President Martin Walsh.

For members in Dublin on May Day,  Fórsa held a screening of We Only Want the Earth: The Life & Ideas of James Connolly, in our Nerney’s Court head office. The event was well attended with members joining the Dublin Council of Trade Union’s May Day march directly afterwards. 

To wrap things up after the march, the ICTU Youth Committee and the DCTU organised a workers’ social in Cleary’s pub. The night was aimed at increasing youth participation in May Day and in unions more generally.  

A big turn out for the Fórsa bloc at this year's May Day march.

For Fórsa’s director of campaigns, Kevin Donoghue, building on past successes is key to increasing the size and reach of Trade Union week year-on-year. 

He said, “Trade Union week has grown every year, since we started this three years ago. It really feels like we’re getting into the swing of things. You can see how branches, unions and ICTU are building on the experience gained in previous years, and everyone is starting to develop their own Trade Union week traditions.” 

“It’s not just about raising awareness of the value and work of trade unions; it’s also a chance to have a bit of fun and spread the joy of solidarity. More people see and hear about it every year, and then participation increases. It makes you excited for what new surprises next year might hold,” he concluded. 

Clare Health and Local Government make the best of the weather bringing ice-cream to Clare workplaces.

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Over 750 delegates from more than 200 branches will make their way to the Gleneagle events centre in Killarney next week to take on the important business of setting policy for our union, and electing union officers. Taoiseach Micheál Martin will address delegates on Thursday morning. 

Taking place from Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th May, delegates will propose, debate, and vote upon motions which will decide the direction Fórsa will take on a wide array of issues, from pay to remote working to accommodations for disabled workers, to the ethical introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. 

Over the past number of months, at Annual General Meetings held online and across the country, branches have decided upon motions they will be proposing at conference.  

National secretary responsible for conference arrangements Catherine Keogh, said: “These motions represent the voices of our members. They set the direction of the union and guide our work on a whole host of issues, so we take great care to ensure each motion abides by the union’s rules and has an opportunity to be debated.”  

Last week the final agenda was issued to branches. In addition to over 150 motions, there will also be panel discussions on remote and hybrid work and the common good, as well as speeches by international guests from both the European Public Services Union and Public Services International. Taoiseach Micheál Martin will address delegates on Thursday morning. 

General secretary Kevin Callinan said: “The Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 is due to expire in June, so in addition to motions we will also be talking about our strategy as we prepare for public sector pay talks.” 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the Taoiseach to our conference, hearing what he has to say to members and presenting our A Better Deal campaign to him.” 

Also on the docket for debate is the Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which will guide Fórsa’s work and growth for the next four years. This will seek to build upon the 2021-2025 plan, which laid out a map for Fórsa’s work over the past four years, guiding our efforts towards growing union membership, delivering for members, increasing the effectiveness of organising and campaigns, and building an even more resilient union. 

Biennial conference is also an opportunity to celebrate members’ contributions, with Distinguished Service Awards and the presentation of Honorary Life Membership to a member who has given outstanding service, all presented on stage in the Gleneagle during conference.  

The now traditional pre-conference charity cycle is also returning this year. Since 2008, the charity cycle has raised almost €240,000 for charities including cancer research projects and mental health/suicide prevention projects.  

Fórsa official Diarmaid Mac a Bhaird urged delegates, officials, and officers alike, to take part and contribute.  

He said: “We would hope to see another increase in the number of participants taking part in the cycle this year. You don’t have to be a pro - this is a fun cycle, and you don’t have to do the whole cycle to take part in the event. You can share a bike and do 5-10km, or more. You won’t be left behind as we will all arrive at the conference venue at the same time."

Catherine said: “We’re excited to host our members in Killarney. Biennial conference is a pillar of our union’s democracy. It’s an opportunity for members to speak and be heard. It brings us together and unites us under common ambition, at a time that is very much needed.” 

Conference documentation will be available on a website hub on forsa.ie next week.

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This year the Red Flag festival takes place in Navan from Friday 29th to Sunday 31st May, commemorating the life of Jim Connell, a lifelong socialist and union activist. For many he is best remembered as the author of the lyrics of 'The Red Flag', an anthemic song that has united workers worldwide for well over a century.  

Among the events planned are talks on James O'Brien and Eva Gore-Booth, a housing panel, and a traditional music and social night at Loughran's Bar, with special guest star Briana Corrigan headlining.  

The main commemoration takes place on the Sunday at the Jim Connell Monument in Crossakiel, with addresses from John King, general secretary of SIPTU, Sarah Woolley, general secretary of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, and voices of international solidarity, including Palestinian representatives. 

For festival organiser Paul McDonnell the festival is an opportunity for unions and trade unionists to gather in the spirit of international solidarity. An opportunity made especially poignant by the location. Paul said: “The monument stands as a symbol of international solidarity and a reminder of the millions of Irish emigrants who helped build trade unionism worldwide.” 

For more information visit redflagfestival.com, or visit Eventbrite to book your place.

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As we approach the end of the academic year, the Skills Academy is moving to its summer schedule. The usual abundance of courses will be pared back for the summer months, however Fórsa Induction and Live: Lunch and Learn will continue to take place.  

This month Live: Lunch and Learn will explore how to go about protecting yourself and your colleagues from psychological risk in the workplace.

Of the in-term courses remaining in this training year, there are only a few places left available on the Branch Treasurers training taking place in Dublin later this month.  

Fórsa Induction - Wednesday 13th May - Online - Open to all new members    

A highly beneficial welcome session for our new members. The Skills Academy explains the need-to-knows of Fórsa, how we work, how you fit into it all, what we do for you, and what you can do to become more engaged, have your voice heard locally, and raise issues at divisional and national levels.    

There are morning and evening sessions available to fit your schedule. So, if you’re a new member, or looking to become a union activist, make sure to join the Skills Academy for this session. 

You can register for Fórsa Induction here.

Branch Treasurers training - Thursday 21st May - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 

A few places remain on the additional Dublin session of the branch treasurers training. If you’re a new treasurer of vice-treasurer livening in Dublin or able to travel to the city for the day this training is not to be missed.  

Learn what you need to do and when. Keep your branch’s finances healthy and save yourself the time and stress of figuring things out as you go. 

Live: Lunch and Learn - Psychosocial Risk - Online – 1-2pm Friday 29th May    

Join guest speaker Frank Vaughan for a session exploring why psychosocial risks have become such an important issue, and how trade union representatives can seek to protect their members from the health hazards, both psychological and physical, that can arise from psychological risks in the workplace. 

Frank Vaughan is the former ICTU head of Health & Safety and former board member of the Health & Safety Authority. He represents ICTU on the ETUC’s Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Committee, is a member of the European Commission’s Advisory Committee on Safety & Health (ACSH)and is a member of the European Trade Union Institute’s Psychological Risks Network. 

You can register for Live: Lunch & Learn here.

To register for a course:    

Aside from Live: Lunch & Learn and Fórsa inductions, participation on all courses requires sign-off from your branch and official. To apply, contact your branch training officer or secretary if your branch does not yet have a training officer.  

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