Fórsa and other unions representing local authority water staff have called for immediate political intervention to progress a resolution on the filling of vacancies in council water services. 

The unions have written to local government minister, Darragh O’Brien seeking his immediate intervention.

The head of Fórsa’s Municipal Employees Division and Local Government Division, Richy Carrothers, said it was essential that water vacancies are filled.

"There remains a stand-off between the CCMA and Irish Water on the filling of LA water services vacancies. To that end, unions engaged with the Department seeking their intervention to progress a resolution to the impasse. We were completely dissatisfied with the response and the lack of willingness to intervene proactively. To that end, we have escalated the situation by seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister. We require political intervention immediately to ensure that employer representatives honour the commitments as set in the framework. 

"The existing SLA must be honoured as we transition to the implementation of the ‘Framework for the future delivery of water services’ as negotiated under the auspices of the WRC with the Department, Irish Water, the Local Government Management Association, and the group of Congress unions (Fórsa, SIPTU, Connect & Unite)."

In light of these developments, Fórsa is suspending the planned union briefing sessions for its water service members to clarify these matters.

Fórsa are also directing members not to participate in any briefings planned by Irish Water in respect of the transfer of staff.

The union is to issue further updates to members as they develop.