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October deadline approaches for LGMA
by Mehak Dugal
 

Fórsa is awaiting a formal response by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) on a job evaluation scheme for the sector, as the deadline of October indicated to the WRC approaches.


Fórsa is awaiting a formal response by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) on a job evaluation scheme for the sector, as the deadline of October indicated to the WRC approaches.

 

The LGMA, which represents council employers, had confirmed to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that they would by the end of this month produce the job descriptions and furnish a written response to the union’s business case.

 

Fórsa wants a local authority job evaluation scheme similar to the one that operates in the HSE and the education sector.

 

Job evaluation is an established tool that allows the knowledge, skills and responsibilities associated with individual jobs – rather than grades or staff categories – to be assessed and appropriately rewarded.

 

The long-awaited return to due process on job evaluation in the sector recommenced under the auspices of the WRC on the 8th July 2022.

 

Fórsa has maintained that almost 10,000 council jobs were lost following the financial crisis, and services had only been maintained because staff had taken on additional responsibilities above their pay grades.

 

Head of the union’s Local Government division, Richy Carrothers, said that the current pay system in local government “lacked equality, consistency and fairness.”

 

“Local authorities suffered the greatest reduction of numbers of employees during the austerity era, which has resulted in significant grade drift in the sector. Why should these workers suffer less favourable treatment than colleagues in other sectors,” he said.

 

Fórsa says there are severe disparities in pay rates across the local government sector, where staff doing the same work could be paid more or less depending on which of the 31 councils they work for.

 

“It is completely unacceptable that clerical and administration, library staff, museum curators, archivists, technicians and so many more, are being paid different pay rates in different counties. That is undermining the similar level of work and effort that’s put in by people in these grades, just based on what council they work for,” Richy said.

 

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

Survey on domestic abuse launched
by Róisín McKane
 

Fórsa is encouraging members to take part in a new union survey on domestic violence.


Fórsa is encouraging members to take part in a new union survey on domestic violence.

 

The purpose of this study is to garner a better understanding of domestic abuse amongst the union membership. This survey also sets out to establish attitudes towards domestic abuse and evaluate supports available in workplaces.

 

This survey is strictly anonymous, and Fórsa will be unable to identify those who have taken part. The collated results will be presented at the upcoming equality network seminar on Wednesday 9th November.

 

The survey will remain open until midday on Friday 4th November, and can be accessed HERE

 

We understand that this can be a sensitive and difficult topic and we would like to draw your attention to some supports:

 

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

Female union membership on the rise
by Mark Corcoran
 

A Working in Ireland Survey produced by UCD has shown that there is a growing number of women becoming active members of trade unions.


More women are becoming active members of trade unions according to a new survey produced by University College Dublin (UCD).

 

The study, “Working in Ireland” looked specifically at the structure of union membership, members’, and non-members’ disposition towards unions, the perceived effectiveness of unions and the coverage of collective bargaining. The results were presented by Professor John Geary and Dr. Maria Belizón at a seminar in Fórsa offices last week.  

 

The data shows that although there has been a significant decline in union membership, down from 60% in the early 1980s to approximately 25% now, there are currently more women than men in trade unions. Some fifteen years ago there was little difference, but now 54% of union members are women while 46% are men. Professor Geary described the findings as ‘union membership increasingly becoming a female phenomenon.’

 

Interestingly, despite the decline in overall union density, trade unions have remained an important means of representing employees in Irish workplaces. Almost half of those working in non-union employments indicated that they would vote to establish a union in their workplace if possible.

 

Union membership is now concentrated primarily in the public sector (health, education, public administration and defence). Formerly highly unionised sectors such as manufacturing, construction and transport have struggled to maintain high levels of membership, while unions are struggling to get a foothold in modern sectors such as high-end tech and social media.

 

Union influence in the workplace was also examined. At least 50% of respondents believed unions exercise at least a moderate or a high level of influence on employers. The survey concluded that union influence is seen to be greatest in respect of employees’ terms and conditions of employment and the adoption of flexible working conditions.

 

Read the full report HERE.

Fórsa welcomes Owen into new ICTU role
by Niall Shanahan
 

Owen Reidy has been appointed as the new general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, replacing Patricia King, who stepped down from the post this month. Owen’s appointment followed a competitive interview process for the general secretary post.


Owen Reidy has been appointed as the new general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), replacing Patricia King, who stepped down from the post this month. Owen’s appointment followed a competitive interview process for the general secretary post.

 

A native of Donegal, with 24 years of full-time experience in the Irish trade union movement, Owen started his career as a union official in SIPTU in the west of Ireland, and occupied a range of roles in the union representing and organising workers in the aviation, insurance, and finance, non-commercial semi-states, and cleaning and security sectors.

 

Appointed one of SIPTU’s five divisional organisers in 2013, Owen managed the union’s Transport, Energy, Aviation and Construction division, a period during which he was involved in several high profile and successful industrial disputes. These include the Greyhound lockout, Luas dispute, and pay disputes in the CIE transport companies.

 

In 2016 Owen became assistant general secretary of ICTU, with primary responsibility for the Congress in Northern Ireland. He has established himself as the recognised voice of the trade union movement in Northern Ireland on issues such as Brexit, political stalemate at Stormont, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

 

Welcoming Owen to address Fórsa’s national executive in Donegal this week, ICTU president and Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said Owen had a phenomenal track record as an industrial official and as a spokesperson on trade union issues: “I’m delighted that Fórsa’s national executive was able to welcome Owen in his native Donegal.

 

“His appointment marks a proud moment for Owen and his family, and on behalf of Fórsa’s membership I am delighted to welcome him into his new role. With Irish and European collective bargaining structures set to be overhauled, our movement is entering a dynamic new phase, with significant new challenges on several fronts, both in terms of the economic outlook and the challenges laid down by the high-level group on collective bargaining.

 

“As ICTU president I’m delighted to work with Owen as we enter this new phase. He will bring fresh energy to the task of ensuring we meet the challenges in a way that produces real improvements in the pay and conditions of workers, and he has shown that he has the qualities to unite the movement in pursuit of its core objectives.

 

“Equally, I want to add my deep appreciation for the amazing work and legacy of Patricia King, who has done enormous work to help shape a better future for Irish workers,” he said

 

Addressing the Fórsa national executive Owen said the immediate priority for Congress is to transpose the recent Adequate Minimum Wages directive, and to legislate for the LEEF High-Level Group report on collective bargaining in Ireland: “I am delighted and humbled to be selected for this important leadership role in our trade union movement. I think we have the potential to rebuild and grow our movement and reach out to workers currently not organised in trade unions. We need to make work pay for all and build a more inclusive economy and society,” he said.

 

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

Raise the roof this November
by Róisín McKane
 

Fórsa is urging its members to support a national demonstration calling for an end to the housing and homeless crisis, which takes place in Dublin on Saturday, 26th November.


Fórsa is urging its members to support a national demonstration calling for an end to the housing and homeless crisis, which takes place in Dublin on Saturday, 26th November.

 

The ‘Raise the Roof’ rally will call for a large-scale public house-building scheme. Its organisers are a coalition of trade unions, housing and homelessness organisations, and student bodies.

 

Other ‘Raise the Roof’ demands include rent controls, an end to forced evictions, more secure tenancies, and a legal right to housing.

 

Fórsa and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) are supporting the protest and are encouraging members to attend the Dublin city demonstration.

 

Details of the rally route will soon issue to branches, but those looking to get involved should contact campaigns director Kevin Donoghue HERE.

 

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

 

Feature Article
‘Keep Water Public’ campaign seeks referendum date
by Niall Shanahan
 

Fórsa is one of the unions that has formed the coalition behind the ‘Keep Water Public’ campaign. Launched yesterday (Thursday), the campaign calls on the Government to confirm a date for a constitutional referendum on the public ownership of water services.


Fórsa is one of the unions that has formed the coalition behind the ‘Keep Water Public’ campaign. Launched yesterday (Thursday), the campaign calls on the Government to confirm a date for a constitutional referendum on the public ownership of water services. The campaign is supported by Fórsa, SIPTU, Unite, Connect and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

 

Speaking at yesterday’s campaign launch, ICTU president and Fórsa general secretary, Kevin Callinan, said the campaign to name the date for a referendum represented a shared commitment by trade unions to ensure the future of public ownership of water services: “It’s time now to end any lingering uncertainty about the future of water services in Ireland. A referendum would give people the opportunity to have their say, in addition to providing us all with a unique opportunity to safeguard public ownership of water for future generations.

 

“In that sense, there should be no further hesitation, and we are urging the Government now to name the date. In doing so, it would be taking a welcome and positive step,” he said.

 

Assistant general secretary Catherine Keogh, who has been working closely with Fórsa members in local authorities providing water services, has said the feeling among members is very strong: “They want the Government to name the date for a referendum, to clearly indicate when we can expect to cast a vote to protect the future of our water services. That feeling is universal, so I expect we’ll see strong support for this campaign,” she said.

 

Fórsa’s head of Local Government Richy Carrothers said the unions had come together to maximise participation in the campaign by union members: “Privatised water services result in higher costs and poorer services for the public. Public ownership of water services ensures safe and sustainable access to water for everyone.

 

“A referendum would help protect Irish water services from any future attempt at privatisation, providing a constitutional guarantee of public ownership. Opinion polls show that a huge majority of the Irish public want a referendum to ensure water services can never be privatised.

 

“We’re inviting all union branches and members to take part in this campaign by signing the petition and talking to their local political representatives about naming a date for this important referendum.

 

“This is the kind of grassroots campaign that unions excel at, and I’m confident that Fórsa members will seize the opportunity to get this message across to the Government parties,” he said.

 

You can sign the petition here and Fórsa members are encouraged to circulate the link among work colleagues, friends and family to seek their support for the campaign.

 

Fórsa, SIPTU, Connect, Unite and ICTU Launch #NameTheDate Campaign

Also in this issue
Equality on the agenda
by Róisín McKane
 

Fórsa’s equality network seminar will take place on Wednesday 9th November in Nerney’s Court, Dublin.

 

The all-day event will be the first in person equality session since 2019 and will provide a unique opportunity for interested activists to discuss a range of issues.

 

The seminar will feature key speakers on LGBTQ+ progress and domestic abuse workplace policy, and Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman will address the seminar. Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan and union president Michael Smyth will also speak.

 

Branches can register their interest to attend HERE. Places are limited, but members who are unable to attend in person can partake in the seminar via the live stream

 

Watch the live stream HERE. 

 

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

A History of the Civil, Public and Services Union
by Róisín McKane
 

Fórsa will soon launch a new book documenting the history of the Civil, Public and Services Union (CPSU).

 

Published by the Institute of Public Administration with Fórsa, ‘Fighting for the Clerical Grades’ A History of the Civil, Public and Services Union 1922-2017 charts the progress of the organisation representing civil service clerical grades, from its roots in the late nineteenth century, to its merger with IMPACT and the PSEU in the formation of Fórsa in 2018.

 

Researched and written by historian Martin Maguire it is an outstanding contribution to history of our public service unions and to Irish labour history generally and will prove essential reading for Union activists.

 

Branches and members looking to purchase a book should email cpsubook@forsa.ie for more information. 

 

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

Eliminating violence and harassment at work
 

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has welcomed plans to ratify an international treaty aimed at eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace.

 

The International Labour Organisation Convention (ILO) Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) aims to protect workers, irrespective of their contractual status – including interns, volunteers, job applicants, and individuals exercising the authority of an employer.

 

The treaty specifically highlights gender-based violence and harassment, and the impact of domestic violence on the world of work is also included. It applies to the public and private sectors, the formal and informal economy, and urban and rural areas.

 

In a submission to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, ICTU applauded the efforts within the Department to complete the ratification process before the end of 2022, and said it is ready to engage in whatever manner necessary to expedite this.

 

ICTU equality officer David Joyce said that one of the most important elements of the Convention is that it deals with the issue of domestic violence.

 

“This was a key demand of trade unions. Perpetrators of domestic violence can be colleagues, where the partners work for the same employer, and perpetrators can follow or stalk their partners at their workplace. We look forward to early ratification and stand ready to play our role in integrating this treaty into social dialogue and collective bargaining at national, sectoral and workplace level,” he said.

 

ICTU has long been part of a global campaign of unions working towards the ratification and implementation of this key ILO convention to tackle violence and harassment in the world of work.

 

“Violence and harassment at work, particularly gender-based violence, is a major problem in all parts of the world and in every sector. It destroys lives, denies women the chance to fulfil their potential and contributes to wider repression in society on the basis of people’s gender identity, ethnicity and social status. Everyone has the right to a world free from this,” said David.

 

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

Save the date: Fórsa Global Solidarity
by Róisín McKane
 

Fórsa’s Global Solidarity Autumn School will take place on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th November in Nerney’s Court, Dublin.

 

The school will provide a unique opportunity for interested members to discuss a range of international, trade union and human rights issues.

 

Delegates will ahear about projects that Fórsa actively fund across the world, and it will also be an opportunity to hear about the union’s global solidarity work.

 

More information on the event can be found HERE and members can register their interest to attend HERE.

 

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