Businesses in most sectors of the economy will be able to trade from Monday (29^th June) as the Government announced further relaxations in Covid-19 restrictions when it met last week. But official advice continues to urge organisations to maintain remote working where possible as efforts to contain the coronavirus continue.

Under phase three of ‘roadmap,’ crèches and other childcare facilities can open to essential workers from Monday. But it will be late July before these facilities are available to other workers, and then only on a ‘phased’ basis.

The Government is urging people to walk or cycle to work where possible, and to use face-coverings when using public transport.

Fórsa updated its guidance to members as a significant number of civil and public service and other employers stepped up plans for the re-opening of workplaces on foot of the acceleration of ‘return to work’ measures.

Earlier this month, it was also announced that some 500 agriculture, environmental health and labour inspectors would get powers to enforce coronavirus workplace health measures on foot of union pressure for a more stringent application of safety regulations.

Fórsa continues to insist that workers’ safety cannot be compromised as more people return to workplaces after a long stretch working at home. It says employers must fully implement safety measures agreed between the Government, unions, and employers last month.

These are set out in a ‘return to work safety protocol,’ which outlines the steps required to ensure a safe workplace as restrictions are relaxed.

Read Fórsa’s advice on a safe return to workplaces HERE.

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’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 29^th 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 13^th 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 (29^th June), with the final phase due on 20^th July, rather than the originally-planned date of 10^th 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. 

Fórsa is opposing the unilateral introduction of work targets, which staff say could double current workloads for Department of Employee Assistance and Social Protection (DEASP) employees working in activation roles.

The activation unit, which helps jobseekers improve their opportunities for employment, has recently resumed services following its temporary suspension as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Previously a customer-facing role, this work is now being carried out by phone

While Fórsa supports this switch during the course of the pandemic, it disputes management’s belief – reflected in new targets – that phone engagements take less time than in-person interviews.

Fórsa official Paul MacSweeney said the department had presented no evidence to show that dealing with people on the phone could be more speedily than face-to-face encounters.

“It is unclear where there targets were plucked from, or on what basis the department believes that suddenly work output can be more than doubled. It’s unacceptable that management wants to impose this fundamental change in work practices without discussion, negotiation and agreement,” he said.

The staff concerned took on different essential roles at the height of the coronavirus crisis, with some changing roles a number of times. “Instead of receiving practical appreciation, they are now facing unacceptable targets, in a move that will most likely disimprove the high quality service delivered to customers,” said Paul.

Fórsa has told members that the new targets are not agreed.

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.

Every social welfare employee is currently receiving a daily email from the department’s LGBTQI+ network as part of Pride month. The mailings contain information on diversity resources on the network’s intranet page, and invites workers to take part in digital DEASP Pride events.

Employees, who are being encouraged to take part in cross-department Pride events, can also take part in a daily quiz, with a €25 One4All voucher is up for grabs.

The DEASP LGBTQI+ network, established last year through the Department’s long-running engagement and innovation programme, is made up of union, worker and employer representatives who’ve been busy conducting research, arranging a series of Pride events, and establishing workplace support networks for the LGBTQI+ community.

Fórsa activist and DEASP clerical branch member Sue Kelly said the project had received huge support and engagement from workers throughout the department. “It’s clear that diversity and inclusion is very close to everyone’s hearts,” she said.

The group has met with other departments and external organisations to help develop its diversity and equality strategy. “We’ve learned so much from other departments who have long established LGBTIQ+ networks,” said Sue, citing the justice department and Oireachtas as the pace-setters.

As well as planning and promoting Pride week, the project team is also running a survey help understand the workplace culture and identify possible bias in the workplace. They’ll follow up by recommending measures to ensure workplaces are welcoming and supportive of LGBTQI+ staff.

DEASP executive branch diversity officer, Fórsa activist and LGBTIQ+ network member Gary Fagan said the survey would establish a starting point from which the network would build. “It’s important to know our baseline so that we can develop and strive for better. All DEASP staff have received an email from the LGBTIQ+ network inviting them to participate in the survey. It is also available on the DEASP intranet,” said Gary.

Gary encouraged all DEASP workers to get involved, and said the network was working towards a compassionate and caring environment in the workplace, allowing all staff to be open and comfortable regardless of their sexual or gender identities.

“We hope this work will find permanency in a new HR area on diversity and inclusion, which will also include staff with disabilities,” he said.

More information on DEASP’s LGBTQI+ network can be found on the Department’s intranet page.

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.

Fórsa’s summer series of webinars on campaigning issues kicks off at 1.00pm today (Friday 26^th 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 (3^rd July), campaigning (10^th July), universal healthcare (16^th July), Climate action and automation (24^th July), and the future of work (31^st 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.

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. 

The latest instalment of our live wellness webinar series takes place next Wednesday (1^st 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 1^st 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.

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.

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.

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.

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/