More than a decade since the economic crash, public service pay and conditions are still being framed by an “emergency mind-set,” despite Ireland’s return to robust growth, exchequer finances and employment rates, according to Fórsa’s general secretary.

The outgoing Government has said it will prioritise “digital transformation” in the civil and public service. Last month it announced measures to “modernise” the workplace and streamline access to public services from 2020. 

Fórsa is likely to seek third party arbitration in an emerging dispute over eligibility for appointment to civil service higher executive officer (HEO) positions.

Fórsa has sought the completion of the process of amalgamating the civil service SO and EO grades, which came into force in 2017.

The issue of retrospective Sunday payments for border management staff at Dublin airport has gone to civil service arbitration following settlement of the substantive dispute. 

Derry City and Strabane District Council has become the first Northern Ireland employment of its kind to adopt a menopause policy.

The deadline for members’ submissions to the Fórsa ‘Strategic Organisational Review Team’ (SORT) exercise, is the end of January. Last month, the SORT emailed members to invite them to inform the development of a strategic plan, which will inform the union’s direction over the next five years.