Fórsa members working as Early Years Specialists in Pobal have voted overwhelmingly to accept an agreement reached with management. The ballot result follows a long-running dispute over recognition of the specialist nature of their work.

The ballot closed 21st January last week, with a strong turnout of 88%. Of the votes cast, 97.2% were in favour of accepting the agreement.

The agreement was reached in December following negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Members had been engaging in work-to-rule action since last September in pursuit of fair pay, improved conditions, and formal recognition of their specialist role.

The agreement includes a range of measures aimed at addressing long-standing issues raised by members. These include an additional day of annual leave per year, payment and backdating of outstanding pay increases due last year, enhanced time off in lieu (TOIL) arrangements for work undertaken outside normal hours, and other improvements.

A central demand for members was proper recognition of the specialist nature of Early Years Specialists’ work. The agreement provides for a job evaluation exercise to be completed as soon as possible, which Fórsa is confident will address this core issue.

Welcoming the result, assistant general secretary David Field said the hard-won agreement reflected the determination and solidarity shown by members throughout the dispute: “Crucially, it establishes a framework for better industrial relations in Pobal. This includes bi-monthly meetings chaired by an independent mediator, which is a very positive development, ensuring these members have a much stronger voice in the workplace,” he said.

Branch officer Paula Gavin added: “The result marks an important step towards formal recognition of the increasingly complex and specialised work carried out by Early Years Specialists”, and she paid tribute to members’ commitment and unity.

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