Since beginning industrial action on Monday 11^th September, our members across local authorities have been resolute in their determination to get access to a fair job evaluation scheme.

As there continues to be no engagement from the LGMA, escalation of the industrial action has been approved.

At their meeting in Cavan today, the Divisional Executive Committee has decided:

• The indefinite ban on engagement on all non-statutory political representations (verbal and written) continues.
• A 24-hour email ban will begin on Friday 22^nd September at 00.01am running to 23.59pm on 22nd September 2023. This will include sending of, and responding to, all emails, internal and external.
• This will be followed by a 48-hour telephone ban on Tuesday 26^th September and Wednesday 27^th September, beginning at 00.01am on 26^th September, running to 23.59pm on 27^th September 2023. This will include calls on work landline phones and mobile phones, work telephone calls via online platforms such as MS teams and work calls via social media platforms such as WhatsApp, whether phone or video and calls on personal mobile phones for work issues.

Attempts to circumvent or undermine this action may lead to the immediate escalation of the action. Equally so, any attempts to intimidate or threaten Fórsa members engaging in this legitimate industrial action, may lead to the immediate escalation of the dispute.

Fórsa remains available to discuss derogation requests for emergency cover, providing that it is genuine emergency cover and limited in nature.

Cathaoirleach of the Local Government and Local Services Division, and Chair of the Fingal branch, Michael Whyms said: “Local authority workers are central to local government, and our members are deeply committed to their communities. That’s why so many of them have been working above and beyond their grades for many years now. They know how much people all around Ireland rely on their services. But the LGMA’s refusal to engage meaningfully has driven this escalation.”

Fórsa national secretary Richy Carrothers added: “Our determination to resolve this issue will not waiver.  We are calling on the LGMA to listen to the reasonable requests from their employees who want job evaluation so they can have a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.”

Messages of solidarity have been sent to us from other trade unions and from representatives across the political spectrum.  Motions of support have been passed by number City and County Councils including: Cork City Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Fingal County Council, and South Dublin County Council. Numerous political representatives have also heeded our request to raise the issue with Minister Darragh O’Brien T.D. and the LGMA.

Media coverage of the industrial action has been extensive both at national and local level, with radio stations and newspapers in every region covering the story, from the Connaught Telegraph to the Dundalk Democrat  and radio stations including Ocean FM, Midlands 103 and Midwest Radio.

There is a detailed FAQ available to answer any queries you might have which is available here. If you have a question that isn’t answered, please contact your local branch or email  lgaction2023@forsa.ie

To support the industrial action we’re asking you to:  

1. Download this poster to distribute and display in your workplace.
2. Share this guidance with political representatives who ask you why the industrial action is happening.
3. Ask your colleagues: have you joined the union yet? Share this QR code with them

Thank you for your continued support.