Dear Members,

Two weeks after our industrial action began, we have secured a roadmap to job evaluation for our members in local authorities.  This win is thanks to our members’ determination and commitment.

After intensive engagement in conciliation at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) yesterday, a communication was issued this morning. You can read that here. The Divisional Executive Committee (DEC) strike committee has agreed to withdraw the current instruction pertaining to the ban on non-statutory political representations with immediate effect.

In April 2023, members were asked to vote on the following text in the ballot: “I am in favour of taking industrial action up to and including strike action in order to secure a settlement to the union’s job evaluation dispute in the Local Authority sector”.

Over 85% of members voted to back the mandate, which sent a clear message of your determination to achieve fairness and equity across the local government sector. 

Fórsa national secretary Richy Carrothers said: “For years, our claim was thwarted and resisted by employers who dismissed it as unnecessary and a breach of national agreements. This drove us to industrial action, as a result we now have a real breakthrough which provides a clear road map for the establishment of job evaluation in the sector. Further detailed negotiations will be required at the scoping out stage, but it is an important step to achieving the kind of job evaluation scheme that our members need and deserve.”

Cathaoirleach of the Local Government and Local Services Division, and Chair of the Fingal branch, Michael Whyms said:

“We were forced to commence industrial action in the pursuit of the claim. Members acted collectively in a show of strength and unity, and I want to pay tribute to our members for sticking together over the course of the dispute. Branches have been integral to the smooth operation and management of the dispute which has enabled us to demonstrate our collective strength and to recruit new members across to the union. Over recent weeks hundreds of new members have joined in response to the campaign. This will make us stronger as we continue to negotiate on your behalf.”

There will be a transition period to normal service and members are encouraged to deal with queries using their usual methodology, whilst being mindful of critical issues and order of receipt. Members can only be expected to deal with matters during their normal working day and elected representatives and management must be patient.  We will be writing to Councillors, TDs and Senators to remind them to be mindful of this transition and to thank them for their support.

Thank you once again for your commitment to this industrial action. You have demonstrated how the collective strength of the union can deliver for members.