Fórsa’s Local Government And Local services division is heading into winter with a renewed focus on recruitment and organising, launching a fresh batch of recruitment leaflets to be distributed to branches across the country in the coming weeks. 

Head of division Richy Carrothers said the leaflets are about rebuilding the habit of organising at workplace level: “The union is what happens when members come together in their workplace to take collective action and shape their own lives.”  

He encouraged members to use the new material as a tool for conversations with colleagues. 

“Maybe you’re in a workplace where the union is already strong - good! Then you can use the leaflets as a reminder, leave them around the canteen, stick them on the noticeboard,” he said.  

“Or maybe you’re in a workplace where the union isn’t so strong, that’s when the leaflets can be really useful. Use them as a prop and do a walkaround. Nothing is more persuasive than having conversations with people.” 

The latest recruitment push follows a year of major progress for Fórsa members in local government. The division’s national conference in May brought members together from across the country for two days of debate, solidarity, and planning for the future. 

It was also the year that saw a major breakthrough at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), where, after intensive engagement, broad agreement was reached on a framework for a comprehensive job evaluation scheme for local authority workers - a long-standing demand for recognition of the skills and value of council staff.  

This process is still underway, but we need to ensure that management remain at the table and are focussed on our demands. Highly unionised workplaces are the key to our success in winning more for workers.” 

Throughout 2025, the division continued to advocate for well-funded, democratically accountable local services, leading calls for stronger local government, better housing policy, and quality public services that serve communities rather than profit. 

Richy said Fórsa members had also shown “real courage and solidarity” in the face of intimidation campaigns targeting library workers. 

“When library workers faced hate and harassment from the far right, Fórsa stood firmly beside them,” he said. “Our members’ courage, and the union’s visible, immediate support, sent a clear message: public libraries are spaces of inclusion, learning, and community, and those who work in them will never stand alone.” 

As the union moves into 2026, the focus is on deepening membership and building on recent gains. 

“As a union we’ve a lot to be proud of,” he added. “From job evaluation to workforce planning and blended work, our members in local authorities across Ireland have organised, fought for, and won a better deal for everyone.” 

He explained that Fórsa’s vision for local government is one of enhanced local services and strengthened local democracy, opposing outsourcing and celebrating the diversity of communities across Ireland. 

Richy also wanted to remind potential recruits that Fórsa has a practical side too. 

 “There’s a real practical side to what we do. Members share in supports like salary protection, financial advice, mortgage and will services, insurance, discounts, and scholarships. When you join Fórsa, you gain access to these benefits and join a community that stands up for fairness, respect, and strong public services. We use our strength in numbers and act as a collective to give added value to the union card.” 

“This winter we’ll be out in workplaces, talking to people, handing out leaflets, and reminding everyone that the union is us - the members - and together we can shape a better future in local government.” 

Get in contact with your local branch to arrange a leaflet drop-off. If there’s less of a union presence in your workplace, use our contact form to get in touch with us and we’ll help you get things off the ground. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.