Fórsa members will be marching at Dublin Pride on Saturday June 29th, for the first time under our union banner. If you’d like to join, please email your name and phone number to comms@forsa.ie, as spaces are limited. We’re proud to be a diverse union - welcoming of all, and stronger together.

Everyone is welcome, whether members or allies of the LGBTQ+ community, and your families as well. Come by yourself or with a group as it will be an inclusive, friendly event! 

The parade lasts for over an hour, so attendance at the whole march is not necessary for those who aren’t able to. 

Our trade union has a long history of fighting for what’s right, for our members and our communities. Take a look at this video to see the role unions have played in driving equality.

If you're having a Pride event in your workplace you can download and display this leaflet on the shared history of solidarity between the trade union movement and the LGBTQ+ rights movement. 

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

Mental health, work-life balance, and environmental sustainability are top concerns amongst Irish workers as yet another survey reveals people are opting for the benefits of hybrid working en masse. 

A recent report by the parent company of IrishJobs.ie, highlights that a good work-life balance remains a top priority, a sentiment echoed in numerous other studies to date.

This latest report found that nearly half of Irish jobseekers (47%) would turn down a role if it didn't offer hybrid or fully remote working options, a significantly higher proportion than the global average of 29%. Additionally, 61% of Irish jobseekers would reject an attractive job offer if they were left with negative impression during the interview process. 

Environmental and sustainability initiatives are also important, with nearly one in five jobseekers willing to reject a job offer from employers lacking such initiatives. Furthermore, 30% would decline a job that doesn't include mental health or wellbeing benefits. 

The report, titled How Work Preferences Are Shifting in the Age of GenAI, draws on survey data from over 150,000 respondents across 188 countries, including 1,746 from Ireland.  

This most recent report adds to a series of findings underscoring the importance of flexible and hybrid working patterns for Irish workers.  

The 2023 Remote Working in Ireland survey, conducted by the University of Galway and the Western Development Commission, found that 92% of respondents considered remote and hybrid working a key factor in their decision to change employers. Over half (55%) said they would switch jobs if their preferences weren't accommodated, even at the cost of promotion opportunities. 

Fórsa’s policy and research officer Aisling Cusack commented: 

“Much of this research matches what we already know in the union.  A revealing survey of 1,058 Fórsa Revenue branch employees in December 2023 showed the widespread normalisation of hybrid working in the department.”

“A majority of 803 participants spent only 1-2 days per week in the office, while just 93 adhered to a full-time office-based schedule. Most participants attributed blended working options to improvements in their work and personal lives and believed that a four-day work week would further improve their quality of life.” 

The Irish trade union movement has been at the forefront of pushing for a legal framework enabling flexible working arrangements. Initially, the original Work Life Balance Bill was criticised as "fundamentally flawed" by Fórsa and ICTU, citing the 13 grounds for refusal gave employers with an “unfettered ability to turn down a request," without considering the interests of the employees.  

The Work-Life Balance Bill enacted in March 2023 aligned Ireland with other European countries regarding the right to request remote work. This act provides the right to request remote working for all employees and flexible working arrangements for parents and carers.   

Aisling continued: “Though we all know the benefits of these new models of working, workers in Ireland don’t have a guaranteed right to work from home—the final decision still rests with the employer.

“There’s also a danger with remote work that employees will be expected to pick up on tasks or check in on messages at all times and that brings with it the potential for serious stress.  Trade unions were intrinsic to the development of a Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect, which sets out a code of practice to protect staff from work encroaching too much into their lives.” 

“Workers have fought hard to strengthen their legal protections to a healthier work-life balance, and recent improvements to legislation and the Code of Practice means that employers can no longer ignore a worker’s individual needs with regards to when and where they work. Anyone facing pushback on these rights should contact their union.” 

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

The Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) have issued formal notice to Aer Lingus management informing them that pilots will begin industrial action at a minute past midnight on Wednesday 26th June.

The work to rule will last indefinitely. Pilots in Aer Lingus have twice voted in favour of taking industrial action over the past two weeks. In both ballots pilots voted overwhelmingly for strike action. 

In an initial electronic ballot members of the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) voted 98% in favour of taking industrial action up to and including full withdrawal of labour. Turnout for the ballot was 98%.  

However, Aer Lingus then raised concerns about the electronic ballot. Though IALPA confirmed that the union rule book allows for the provision of electronic ballots and that concerns raised by Aer Lingus were unfounded, a paper ballot was held last weekend to avoid unnecessary litigation leading to prolonged uncertainty.

In the second ballot turnout was 89% and 99% voted in favour of taking industrial action up to and including full withdrawal of labour. 

IALPA President Captain Mark Tighe said: “We are now at a point where this dispute has escalated to indefinite industrial action by pilots."

“We are in this position because management have failed to provide us with a meaningful offer on pay that accounts for inflation and the sacrifices made by pilots to save Aer Lingus during the pandemic.”

IALPA’s industrial action will involve a strict work to rule, which includes not working overtime, or any other out of hours duties requested by management.

Captain Tighe added: “Management keep insisting that pilots must sell their working conditions in exchange for any increase in pay. We are absolutely not prepared to do that, especially when Aer Lingus is making enormous profits.

“Our pay claim is for 24%, which equates to inflation since our last pay rise in 2019. Aer Lingus have increased their profits by 400% to €255 million last year.

“Our pay claim is entirely affordable for the company. Our colleagues in British Airways secured a 24% increase in 2019, while Lufthansa pilots received a 27% increase,” he said.

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

In a report released on 11th June, the Low Pay Commission (LPC) recommended that the sub-minimum youth rates in the minimum wage be abolished. This comes as a victory for unions who have consistently campaigned for equal pay for younger workers

Welcoming the recommendation General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), Owen Reidy, said: 

"This is an issue trade unions have been campaigning on for many years and we welcome that the LPC, having looked at this matter in a calm and considered way - with all the available data, legal advice and stakeholder consultation - has unanimously recommended abolishing lower minimum wage rules for all young workers - over 18s and under 18s."

"I note the initial response of the Minister, which seems somewhat begrudging. There is little point in having a LPC including the social partners consider the evidence and unanimously agreeing recommendations, if the Government's response is to potentially fudge or long finger a response. Government needs to take the recommendation to scrap sub-minimum wage rates seriously and implement it accordingly. Our young workers deserve no less,” concluded Mr Reidy. 

Current minimum wage legislation allows employers to pay young staff at a reduced rate. 19-year-old workers can be paid at a rate of 90% of the minimum wage, while 18-year-old workers can be paid at 80%, and 70% for workers 17 years old or younger.

Responding to mounting pressure, on 28th February 2023 the then Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, wrote to Ultan Courtney, Chairperson of the Low Pay Commission, seeking “that the Commission examine the issues around retaining or removing the youth rates and to make recommendations on the subject.” 

In response to the then Tánaiste’s letter, the Low Pay Commission held a consultation period running from June  to July 2023.  

A background research report on the issue of sub-minimum youth rates was also commissioned. That report was published 2nd November 2023.

The Commission took into consideration the contents of the background report as well as submissions made by stakeholders during the consultation period. The Commission presented four recommendations in their final report:

1. Sub-minimum wage rates for employees who are 18 and 19 should be abolished no sooner than 1st January 2025.
2. Sub-minimum wage rates for employees who are not 18 should be abolished no sooner than 1st January 2025.
3. If youth rates are abolished, after these rates have been abolished for two years, a study should be conducted to evaluate if there were adverse consequences from removing sub-minimum rates, in particular for those aged under 18.
4. Consideration must be  given to how employers with a substantial proportion of young workers in receipt of sub-minimum wages can be supported during and after the period in which youth rates are abolished, if they are abolished.

The Department for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, will now commission an economic impact assessment and seek legal advice on the report’s recommendations.

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

Upcoming Lunch and Learn Session: Mental Health with Anthony O'Reardon 
 
Mark your calendars for this month’s Lunch and Learn session on Friday, 28th June 2024, running from 13:00 to 14:00. The focus is on mental health, with guest speaker Anthony O'Reardon, who is an ambassador for See Change.  
 
See Change is an organisation committed to eliminating mental health stigma. See Change's goals are to combat stigma and challenge discrimination associated with mental health issues. They aim to foster a supportive environment that promotes positive attitudes toward mental health. See Change works to empower individuals with mental health experiences to achieve equality, respect, and rights. 
 
Anthony O'Reardon brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the session. Married with three teenage children, Anthony has worked as a train driver since 2017 and previously spent 12 years as a bus driver. His journey with mental health began in 2009 and has since fuelled his passion for advocacy and support. Anthony is a Wellbeing Champion at work, a See Change Ambassador, and is in the process of establishing a Mental Health Association in his community. He holds certificates in Mental Health in the Community and Workplace Wellness. 
 
This online session is designed to be accessible to all members, offering a unique opportunity to engage directly with Anthony. While the session will be recorded and available on our YouTube playlist, attending live allows you to ask questions and participate in real-time discussions. Registration is open here.
 
New to the union? Find your feet with Fórsa 101. 
 
Fórsa 101 is our popular short information and awareness raising session to welcome new members and highlight how you can become an effective change maker in your workplace   This session is specifically targeted to those who have never received any training previously or are not currently active within the union. 
 
It provides basic information to ensure you understand exactly what a trade union is, the structure of Fórsa and how to make your voice heard locally and have issues raised at divisional and national levels. 
 
The next Fórsa 101 runs on Wednesday, 10th July. There is a session at 09:30am and 18:00 to facilitate maximum participation. The sessions typically last between two and two and a half hours. Please register here. here.  

Mentorship programme

After a buzzing launch at Fórsa’s recent biennial conference, members can finally register their interest in the organisation’s new mentoring programme. With its aims to provide “on the ground” support, complementing the core training programmes offered by the Skills Academy the programme is based on a very simple idea. 
 
“It's just a really simple concept to pair people up together, trying to, you know, decipher the world of the trade union. And, you know, all of the work that we do inside of it but also just provide support,” said Fiona Dunne, Forsa’s director of training. 
 
Helen, one of the proponents of the new programme, emphasised the inter-generational value of mentorship: "The idea of this mentoring program, which we're launching today is to pass on the experience reps have gained. Even as people retire or leave their employment, this program ensures they stay connected to the union and those who follow in their footsteps." 

The programme is of 6-months duration and successful applicants will be required to commit to just one hour per month over this period. There are many benefits to both the organisation and Branches which include higher participation rates, personal development, sharing of expertise and succession planning.
 
You can read more about the programme here. You can register here.

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

President Michael D. Higgins spoke out to commend library workers across Ireland for their brave stand against the far-right in a speech last Sunday, 16th June.

Speaking at  Áras an Uachtárain the President said: “libraries must remain places where people can be encouraged to be “inquisitive about the world” in which we live” and praised library staff for creating “an atmosphere so conducive for intellectual curiosity for generations of Irish children, women and men”.

He went on to say, “Protecting libraries and library staff from intimidation, from protests by far-right groups, and ensuring that they do not fall foul to a reactionary and ignorant censorship, but rather remain stocked with the widest range of literature reflecting the diversity of our contemporary society in all its richness, is not just a matter for the Gardaí, but for all of us.” 

Fórsa members who faced down far right agitators in 2023 spoke about their experience at the union’s recent national conference where a union made video documenting their fight back was shown for the first time. Their accounts can be read in The Irish Times and the Irish Independent.

The President underlined the vital public space provided by libraries describing them as “one of the last remaining public spaces to have been spared commodification, where there is no requirement to spend money or purchase anything in order to spend time or be welcomed there”.

In response, Fórsa welcomed the President’s remarks and reaffirmed our view that the protection of staff is "the primary responsibility of local authority management" and that we will continue to work with management to ensure the safety of staff.

The President’s commitment to public libraries is well known. In 2020 he donated over 700 books from his personal collection to Irish public libraries. At the time he said: “Our public libraries are a wonderful place for the sharing of ideas, allowing the writers to encourage creativity, and to share the ideas and concepts contained in the books, with their readers.”

That initial donation has been added to since then. The books were donated mainly to Cabra Library and each one bears an inscription from the President reminding readers that “Books are made to be read and the more they are read the better life can be”.

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