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Aviation industry needs continued support
by Bernard Harbor
 

Aviation employers should retain access to the Government’s Covid-19 temporary wage subsidy scheme “for as long as necessary,” on condition that they avoid redundancies, according to Fórsa.


Aviation employers should retain access to the Government’s Covid-19 temporary wage subsidy scheme (TWSS) “for as long as necessary,” on condition that they avoid redundancies, according to Fórsa.

 

In written evidence to the State’s newly-formed aviation recovery task force, the union said ongoing wage supports were essential to protect thousands of workers in airlines, airports and air navigation bases – and ultimately an estimated 150,000 jobs in tourism, hospitality services and aircraft maintenance, which depend on aviation.

 

The TWSS has been extended to the end of August, but recovery in air travel is expected to take many more months, if not years.

 

The Taskforce for Aviation Recovery was established by the Government at the beginning of March. Fórsa’s submission also called for tax and PRSI breaks for the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), and the maintenance of Dublin airport charges at 2019 levels.

 

In a controversial decision last year, the Commission for Aviation Regulation, which sets airport charges, recommended that the cap on Dublin charges should be reduced over the next five years.

 

But with passenger numbers down 99%, the regulator has conceded that the assumptions underpinning is decision were no longer valid and that it would have to be reviewed.

 

Fórsa also called for the establishment of a Shannon-specific task force, charged with developing a new business strategy for the airport. The union also wants the Government to fund a ‘Shannon route development fund’ to help establish new routes and retain those under threat from other airports.

 

Its submission says the separation of Shannon from the DAA had failed, with 2019 passenger numbers down 8% before the pandemic struck. It said there was “no hope” of airport management’s 2.5 million passenger target being met under the current Shannon Group structure.

 

Last month Fórsa called on the Government to act swiftly to ensure that Ireland has an aviation industry when the health crisis is over.

 

The union, which represents workers in all Irish-based airlines, airports and airport authorities, said there was a danger that the sector would be so weakened over the coming months that it would be unrecognisable by the end of the year. It said regional airports were particularly vulnerable.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact the union HERE.

Cost savings agreed at IAA
by Niall Shanahan
 

Fórsa and the AHCPS have reached an agreement with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) designed to achieve €2 million in savings over the next four months. The IAA has seen a significant collapse in revenues since March due to Covid-19.

 


Fórsa and the AHCPS (Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants) have reached an agreement with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) designed to achieve €2 million in savings over the next four months. The IAA has seen a significant collapse in revenues since March due to Covid-19.

 

The union represents about 600 IAA staff across a range of grades including air traffic controllers, engineers, maritime radio operators, safety inspectors, and administrative and management grades.

 

The agreement will see current hourly pay retained, while staff earning over €38,500 will work a 4.5-day week. A voluntary scheme for special leave arrangements will also be established.

 

In a circular to members, Fórsa official Johnny Fox said the IAA had initially proposed placing 116 operational staff on four months’ special leave at 40% of salary, or an across-the-board 10% pay cut.

 

The two unions presented a counter-proposal designed to avoid the compulsory lay-offs while providing the required savings. Johnny said the approach taken by unions was collaborative and designed to achieve these objectives while achieving the required cost-savings between July and October.

 

To ensure the measures are temporary, the agreement includes review dates in September and October.

 

Johnny said the outcome maximised the potential to retain jobs and protect pay, while preparing the ground for an eventual recovery in aviation activity.

 

“The measures now agreed are designed to facilitate pay and jobs recovery in line with the recovery of the industry, and this is similar to the approach we’ve sought to adopt in other employments in the aviation sector,” he said.

 

Johnny said the agreement reflects the severity of the impact of Covid-19 on the aviation industry, and the demands of the industry as it attempts to recover: “Under the current arrangements some members may be called upon to work normally at certain times during the period of the agreement due to the demands of business and infrastructural needs.

 

“While this is not something we wanted, our members understand that there are aspects of the company’s business that will require full attendance from some staff. The staff panel recognises that members in this position are making the ultimate act of solidarity with their fellow workers, and we have thanked our members for this ultimate demonstration of trade union solidarity and unity.

 

“All of the parties concerned fully comprehend the scale of the considerable challenge in aviation. The industry is responding to an unprecedented, once-in-a-generation crisis,” he said.

 

Watch RTÉ’s report about the effect of Covid-19 on the aviation industry was broadcast on Tuesday (23rd June). Fórsa official Johnny Fox talks about the IAA agreement and the approach taken by unions in other employments HERE.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Social distancing delays car tests
by Mehak Dugal
 

Covid-19 social distancing requirements are likely to further delay tests for some 55,000 learner drivers until at least late July.


Covid-19 social distancing requirements are likely to further delay tests for some 55,000 learner drivers until at least late July.

 

Under last week’s latest easing of public health restrictions, the Government announced that driving tests and lessons can resume from Monday (29th June), but this remains subject to public health guidance.

 

The current requirement is for a two metre distance between testers and candidates, and Fórsa says protections to reduce health the risk of spreading the virus during tests are not yet in place.

 

Fórsa official Denis Keane said there was scope for the early resumption of tests for bus, truck and motorbike drivers, but tests for driving cars remain a problem. Talks are underway with the Road Safety Authority, and transport department. 

 

“Most testers are happy to go back to work once they receive the necessary assurances that health and safety protocols are being adhered to. The main concern remains the issue of compliance with the two metre rule and social distancing inside a car which is tough to maintain,” he said.

 

Fórsa wants any outcome from the talks now underway to be approved by the relevant health and safety authorities.

 

“The safety of clients and staff who, by necessity, are together in a very confined space during tests, remains the utmost priority,” said Denis.

 

In a statement to the media, a transport department representative said special arrangements will be needed to ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines. They promised consultation with the relevant health authorities.

 

Meanwhile, the national car testing service has also announced a four-month extension for vehicles that could not undergo tests because of the coronavirus restrictions. It is encouraging motorists to check their new test due date on the NCTS website  before booking.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Union to meet Aer Lingus on redundancy proposals
by Bernard Harbor
 

Members of Fórsa’s cabin crew committee will meet Aer Lingus management today (Friday 26th June) in consultations about proposed cabin crew redundancies at the airline.


Members of Fórsa’s cabin crew committee will meet Aer Lingus management today (Friday 26th June) in consultations about proposed cabin crew redundancies at the airline. A similar discussion is set to take place on behalf of grades represented by the union’s IAESA branch, which represents staff in middle-management roles.

 

The company announced last week that it would be seeking up to 500 redundancies across the company, with the largest number coming from flight staff. The airline is currently operating around 5% of its normal flight schedule because of Covid-19 restrictions.

 

The meeting comes a few days after cabin crew voted by 75% to 25% to reject proposals for sweeping changes to their working conditions, which could have put many staff members in significant debt to the company. The turnout in the postal ballot was 82%.

 

The proposals were presented to all staff except pilots as an ‘Aer Lingus recovery plan,’ which was an alternative to lay-offs and a further pay cut – down to 30% of normal wages – which are now being imposed.

 

The IAESA branch’s Aer Lingus section decided to accept the recovery plan without going to ballot.

 

Fórsa said the unequivocal cabin crew ballot result vindicated that branch’s decision to put the package to its members, but said company management had done everything it its power to antagonise its staff.

 

A Fórsa spokesperson said all the company’s employees understood the difficulties that Aer Lingus and the entire aviation industry is going through.

 

“They want to play their part in helping the airline through this period, but they are being treated with disdain by their management. The union’s Cabin Crew branch took the view that they could not accept the sweeping changes on behalf of cabin crew without a ballot. Cabin crew were fully appraised of the likely alternative to this package and the ballot result.

 

“The outcome of the cabin crew ballot – and the developments that have come to light since their ballot commenced last Monday (15th June) – demonstrate the need for a new approach from the company, and a new engagement between the airline and its unions,” he said.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact the union HERE.

Fórsa declares return of normal industrial relations
by Bernard Harbor
 

Fórsa’s elected National Executive Committee has advised its branches and officials that significant changes to – or departures from – agreements governing pay and working conditions should again be negotiated through normal industrial relations procedures from Monday 29th June.


Fórsa’s elected National Executive Committee (NEC) has advised its branches and officials that significant changes to – or departures from – agreements governing pay and working conditions should again be negotiated through normal industrial relations procedures from Monday 29th June.

 

This is a significant return from the union’s recent temporary position of cooperation with far-reaching changes to work practices, without negotiation or agreement, during the Covid-19 public health crisis.

 

On 13th March – the day after the Government closed schools and crèches as part of a major lock-down aimed at containing the Covid-19 virus – Fórsa advised its members to “co-operate with all necessary measures, including some that might not be acceptable in normal times.”

 

This underpinned the union’s determination to facilitate “emergency measures necessary to contain the Covid-19 virus, protect the health and safety of citizens and workers, and maintain essential services during an unprecedented public health emergency.”

 

That policy has remained in place since the height of the pandemic. But the union is changing the emphasis now that the virus has been largely contained and the economy is being rapidly reopened.

 

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said he was proud of the way public servants and other workers have helped save lives, contain Covid-19 and maintain essential services –often by putting their own safety at risk.

 

“We’ve witnessed an heroic response to the emergency, and the universal acceptance of the need to set normal industrial relations aside and cooperate with huge – albeit temporary – changes to working conditions was a substantial part of that effort.

 

“Now that the virus has been largely contained, and the economy is being rapidly reopened, major changes must again be subject to agreement between managers and workers’ representatives. That doesn’t mean new measures can’t be proposed and implemented, or that some of the positive changes we’ve seen must be abandoned. But it does mean they will have to be negotiated,” he said.

 

In a written submission to the Oireachtas Special Committee on the Covid-19 Response, published at the beginning of this month, the union raised the need for a return to normal workplace industrial relations.

 

Since then, there has been a significant acceleration of measures set out in the Government’s ‘roadmap for the reopening of society and business.’ The penultimate phase gets underway on Monday (29th June), with the final phase due on 20th July, rather than the originally-planned date of 10th August.

 

Fórsa said public servants and others had “readily accepted” the union’s stance on industrial relations during the crisis because they recognised the scale and seriousness of the emergency.

 

The three months that followed saw huge changes to working conditions including a massive shift to remote working, the designation of services as essential, the allocation of staff to high-risk work environments, temporary reassignments, new health and safety measures, and changes to rostering and shift patterns.

 

Kevin said there had been a high degree of consultation with unions, even though senior management was ultimately making the decisions. Though these were not negotiations, the consultation – at national and sectoral level – meant Fórsa was able to influence policy, express concerns on behalf of workers, and highlight the possible consequences of proposed measures.

 

“Along with Ireland’s strong public service ethos, which engendered a committed and determined response to the crisis among civil and public servants, this consultative approach underpinned an exceptionally high degree of cooperation with rapid and dramatic demands and changes,” he said.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE

CityJet pilots protest offshoring
by Niall Shanahan
 

Dublin-based pilots at CityJet staged a protest at the airline’s offices in Swords this week. It came in response to the airline’s confirmation of the planned closure of its Dublin base, and its decision to hire pilots from outside Ireland to fill resulting job vacancies.


Dublin-based pilots at CityJet staged a protest at the airline’s offices in Swords this week. It came in response to the airline’s confirmation of the planned closure of its Dublin base, and its decision to hire pilots from outside Ireland to fill resulting job vacancies.

 

The company, which is currently in examinership, is effectively offshoring Dublin-based pilots’ work by resuming flights with Irish-registered aircraft while Dublin pilots remain grounded by temporary lay-offs.

 

The pilots, who are represented by Ialpa, a branch of Fórsa, said management had rejected proposals designed to keep some jobs at the Dublin base. They included:

  • Up to 50% pay cuts until April 2021
  • The termination of all terms and conditions to facilitate total flexibility
  • A training plan to move pilots from one aircraft to another, which pilots say is a cheaper option than redundancy.

Fórsa official Ian McDonnell said the union was told last week that majority of the 57 pilots would no longer be in jobs.

 

“A small number of them will have the option to relocate outside of Ireland if and when required. Otherwise they face redundancy along with their other pilot and cabin crew colleagues. This is despite some progress where a number of jobs were committed to remain in Dublin last week,” he said.

 

CityJet intends to exit examinership to fly 15 aircraft for SAS, as it did prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. But they won’t be flown by Irish-based pilots.

 

“Once the Dublin base closes, CityJet will have a shortage of pilots and will be required to commence hiring pilots immediately. We’ve been informed that these new pilot jobs will be located outside the state,” said Ian.

 

Ian said the pilots had worked incredibly hard to develop alternatives to redundancy, which were designed to reduce costs and maintain some jobs in Dublin.

 

Separately, CityJet cabin crew have been told they’re no longer required. Fórsa official Ashley Connolly said there had been no meaningful engagement on the issue.

 

“The company has availed of Irish taxpayers’ money and the Irish courts as part of the examinership process. But it has abandoned a group of staff in Dublin which the company has described as ‘loyal, flexible and productive’.

 

“CityJet will continue to fly Irish-registered aircraft, but will turn its back on the people who helped to build the business here,” she said.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

EU talks crucial to Irish recovery
by Niall Shanahan
 

Last Friday’s meeting of the European Council in Brussels fell short of ironing out disagreements over the proposed EU recovery package, designed to restore European economies severely damaged by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.


Last Friday’s meeting of the European Council in Brussels fell short of ironing out disagreements over the proposed EU recovery package, designed to restore European economies severely damaged by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

 

The role of the European Council, made up of the Taoiseach and his EU counterparts, is to define the EU's overall political direction and priorities. While it’s not a legislative body, it has a major influence on EU economic and social policy.

 

The meeting was called to seek agreement on a €750bn recovery plan proposed by the European Commission. Ireland is currently due to receive €3 billion from the fund, but will push for more.

 

The country’s recent economic performance means it will almost certainly be a net contributor during the EU’s next seven-year budgetary period.

 

The amount designated to Ireland from the recovery fund is also based on its recent impressive economic performance. The Irish Government is arguing that this doesn’t accurately reflect the impact of the virus on the Irish economy.

 

Millions unemployed

Meanwhile, the European Trade Union Congress (ETUC) has told EU leaders they have a responsibility to save as many as possible of the 42 million European jobs that have been lost as a result of coronavirus.

 

As well as boosting employment, European Commission figures show that extra EU investment would ensure real wages are higher than they would otherwise be in the coming decade. 

 

Without it, the Commission expects household incomes to suffer due to temporary cuts in earnings and permanent job losses, which could drive the EU unemployment rate up to around 9% this year, undoing three years’ of job market improvements.

 

Ireland currently ranks ninth among EU member states in terms of the number of workers temporarily unemployed, with a figure of 600,000. This is just over a third of all workers in the state.

 

Resistance

The so-called ‘frugal four’ EU states – Austria, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands – are resisting important elements of the recovery plan. They object to the formula for allocating funds, which is based on unemployment numbers that predate the current crisis.

 

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has said countries that receive EU funds should increase their tax take and impost austerity-style ‘reforms’.

 

In a Fórsa blog published last month, the union’s general secretary Kevin Callinan said the majority of EU countries were moving towards a different model based on an ambitious recovery fund, investment in a green and digital transition, European health sovereignty, and enhanced economic and industrial resilience.

 

“The EU recovery plan will be linked to Europe’s multi-annual financial framework, which will set the Union’s budget between 2021 and 2027. There are some downsides for Ireland, which will become a net contributor to the EU’s budget, while corporate tax consolidation will remain on the agenda.

 

“But these difficulties were coming regardless of the pandemic. Unlike in 2008-2013, recent developments hold out hope of EU-level support to help Ireland address its infrastructure and labour market challenges,” he said.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE  or contact us HERE

Feature Article
Wellness Wednesday: Managing Anxiety
by Róisín McKane
 

The second of Fórsa’s new series of five live wellness webinars takes place next Wednesday (1st July) when professor Jim Lucey, consultant psychiatrist at St. Patrick's University Hospital, talks with rugby pundit and psychotherapist Brent Pope about managing anxiety. The first session – on parenting in a pandemic – is now available as a podcast.


The latest instalment of our live wellness webinar series takes place next Wednesday (1st July) at 10.00 am when professor Jim Lucey, medical director at St. Pats mental health services, talks with rugby pundit and psychotherapist Brent Pope about managing anxiety.

 

The event was organised after 80% of Fórsa members said they’d experienced anxiety during the Covid-19 crisis.

 

Brought to you in association with Cornmarket, this is the second in a series of events being broadcast live over five weeks. The series features experts on a range of topics from managing anxiety to motivation at work and home.

 

Professor Lucey is a clinical professor of psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, and a consultant psychiatrist at St. Patrick’s University Hospital in Dublin. A board member of the Mental Health Commission of Ireland, he served as medical director of St Patrick`s mental health service between 2008 and 2019.

 

Professor Lucey brings over 30 years of national and international experience to the conversation.

 

Broadcaster, psychotherapist and mental health advocate Brent Pope will host the session. 

 

The ex-New Zealand rugby player and former professional rugby coach is best known for his work with RTÉ Sport. But Brent the sportsman recently qualified as a psychotherapist and councillor.

 

Brent is also involved in several mental health charities, and is an ambassador for St. Patrick's Hospital, Pieta House and Cycle Against Suicide.

 

The wellness webinar series is informed by concerns expressed by union members in a recent survey, conducted by Cornmarket on behalf of Fórsa. 

 

Cornmarket administers two of the union’s salary protection schemes.

 

The survey found that four out of five Fórsa members have felt anxious or nervous as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Over 70% of participants reported problems with sleeping, and more than half said either they or a family member had experienced depression or a related condition as a result of the pandemic.

 

The results reflect the stress of a period when thousands of Fórsa members have stepped-up to serve in high-risk frontline environments, with many more having to rapidly adjust to remote working. A significant number have also grappled with reduced pay, lay-offs, and insecurity about their jobs.

 

Register for ‘Resilience: managing anxiety in the current crisis (10.00am, Wednesday 1st July) HERE.

 

Get more details on future Fórsa-Cornmarket ‘Wellness Wednesday’ events HERE.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Also in this issue
Join our campaign webinar today
by Mehak Dugal
 

Fórsa’s summer series of webinars on campaigning issues kicks off at 1.00pm today (Friday 26th June) with expert speakers discussing ideas for a new people-centred post-coronavirus social and economic model.

 

Speakers include economists Aiden Regan and Stephen Kinsella, associate professors at University College Dublin and Limerick University respectively, labour specialist Alice Martin, and Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan.

 

Designed to equip the union’s senior activists with the skills and tools to lead local campaigns, the summer series offers opportunities to discuss and debate on some of the pressing issues of interest to Fórsa activists across a range of economic, social, equality and environmental topics.

 

You can also register for upcoming sessions on collective bargaining (3rd July), campaigning (10th July), universal healthcare (16th July), Climate action and automation (24th July), and the future of work (31st July).

 

Each moderated session will feature a panel discussion followed by questions moderated through the video-conference chat box.

 

All Fórsa activists and members are welcome to register for the events by emailing kdonoghue@forsa.ie.

 

Find out more about the programme and speakers HERE.

 

 

 It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Update your contact details
 

You can help us keep you up-to-date with union information, news and advice by checking your contact details and amending them if necessary. If we have your home and personal contact details (personal email, mobile phone number, and home address) we can get information to you quickly and directly. You can update your contact details HERE.

Covid-19: Guidance on returning to your workplace
 
Fórsa: Here to support you
 

Fórsa is here to protect you if you have problems arising from the coronavirus or other workplace issues. The best way to contact the union at this time is HERE.

 

We will deal with queries as quickly as we can but, needless to say, the union will prioritise cases where members’ jobs and incomes are at immediate risk – as well as any serious health and safety issues that may arise.

 

Fórsa has cancelled all face-to-face meetings for the time being. The union is redeploying its staff to prioritise engagement with management on proposals arising from the Covid-19 public health crisis, and to provide rapid and efficient responses to members’ queries and concerns.

 

Fórsa's main phone line (01 817 1500) is now open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively members can use the Contact Us page on the Fórsa website to submit queries directly to the relevant division within Fórsa and this remains the most efficient way to access advice directly.

 

Wherever possible, Fórsa staff have been equipped to work remotely. Therefore, members should not attend Fórsa offices at this time. If you have a query or concern, the best way to raise it is to contact the union HERE.

Union guidance for remote working
by Bernard Harbor
 

Fórsa has published new advice for workers who will be working remotely in the medium or long-term.

 

The guidance was produced as the Government’s recently-announced ‘roadmap for reopening society and business’, made it clear that many public servants and others will continue to work from home for some time.

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the working circumstances of almost half of Ireland’s workers, with more than a third now working from home. This extended period of remote working is a new experience for most.

 

While some have now established a productive and rewarding remote working routine, it can be a struggle at times.

 

Working at home: Staying safe, connected, healthy and productive contains advice on health and safety, setting up a workspace, breaks, staying in touch with managers and colleagues, and balancing work with home life and childcare.

 

The guide also contains useful tips on data protection, cybersecurity, and safeguarding your mental health.


Róisín McKane of Fórsa’s Communications Unit drafted the guidance. “Many union members could be working remotely for longer than they ever expected. This information will help them to navigate home working for an extended period.

 

“You may be out of the workplace, but you can still rely on certain legal protections, and you should look to your employer for the supports you need to do your job safely and well,” she said.

 

Read the Fórsa guidance HERE. 

 

If you have questions or concerns about your own situation, you can contact Fórsa HERE

 

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Join Fórsa online
 

Workers who wish to join Fórsa can to do so using a new ‘join online’ function on the union’s website.

 

Going live with the new system follows several months of research, preparation and testing aimed at making it easier than ever to join the union. It also goes live as the union continues to process a large number of new membership applications, as interest in joining the union has surged since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis.

 

Fórsa’s general secretary Kevin Callinan commented: “The current crisis has created the necessity to be able to carry out our business in different ways. Work on this project had commenced before the Covid-19 crisis took hold, and its completion marks a vital step as we tackle the challenges of living in changed times.

 

“We can see that more people want to join a union in response to what’s happening in the wider economy. It’s vital that they can take those initial steps quickly and easily, and making the membership application process more accessible is part of that process.

 

“This is a crucial new venture to enable Fórsa to substantially increase our membership - and to strengthen the union’s hand - at a critical time in the union’s development,” he said.

 

The online facility is a streamlined and simplified membership application process, and will be the quickest and easiest way to join the union. All incoming applications will continue to be subject to check-off and approval by Fórsa branches and the national executive committee, while the new online system is designed to ease the administrative burden on branches.

 

You can join Fórsa online at https://join.forsa.ie/

 

National mental health programme launched
by Mehak Dugal
 

Fórsa has called on health employers to engage with staff representatives to ensure the timely implementation of a new ten-year roadmap for Ireland’s mental health services, which was launched by health minister Simon Harris last week.

 

Sharing the vision: A mental health policy for everyone belatedly follows the last national mental health policy, which ended its ten-year term in 2016.

Developed after extensive consultation with over 1,000 service users, family members, friends, carers and other stakeholders, the programme highlights four priority areas:

  • Promotion, prevention and early intervention
  • Service access, coordination and continuity of care
  • Social inclusion, and
  • Accountability and continuous improvement.

Fórsa welcomed the significant consultation with service users and their advocates, but criticised a lack of engagement with staff who will deliver the programme, and whose experience and professional insights can inform the programme and its implementation.

 

Union official Catherine Keogh said Fórsa had raised the need for staff engagement at a meeting with the HSE earlier this week. “The HSE agreed to this and we expect to meet on this matter as health services begin to return to normal over the coming weeks,” she said.

 

The programme allocates responsibilities to lead agencies and sets time-bound implementation targets for each recommended action. It also establishes a national implementation committee to oversee its implementation.

 

The document’s ‘implementation roadmap’ earmarks the recommendations into short (up to six months), medium (six-18 months) and long term implementation, and puts an emphasis on the measurement of outcomes.

 

Read the policy document HERE.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.