Over 28,000 pledges have now been made by people calling for ‘A Better Deal’. You can join them by taking the pledge here.

Amid mounting economic uncertainty it’s clear that collective power must be shown ahead of public service pay negotiations later this year.  

In recent days and weeks members from all divisions of the union have been making it clear that they want pay increases above inflation, protection of flexible and hybrid work, resolution of local bargaining claims, and targeted public investment in healthcare and housing.  

General secretary Kevin Callinan said: “The current economic uncertainty only makes it more important that we build our collective power and demonstrate our unity of purpose.” 

“The impact of spiralling fuel costs on the cost-of-living crisis is putting workers under huge pressure. With the current Public Service Agreement due to expire in just a few months, public servants the length and breadth of this country will be looking for meaningful pay increases and improvements to terms and conditions to offset the ever-increasing costs they face.” 

“This isn’t just about pay; the ‘A Better Deal’ pledge calls for action on the issues that shape workers’ day-to-day lives too. From more funding for public services to protection of flexible work, we will be clear in upcoming talks that all these issues must be on the table.”  

"But to do that, we need you to sign the pledge, and talk to your colleagues, friends and family about signing it too. We need to be able to say tens of thousands of workers have made it very clear that this is what they want, and that they are willing stand together for it.” 

In addition to signing the pledge, thousands of members have registered to attend briefings on the campaign – a crucial way to build further awareness of the pledge. Fourteen sessions have already taken place and many more are planned. If you are interested in taking part in a briefing email pledge@forsa.ie.

A campaign toolkit is now available for workplace activists - it includes a leaflet with a QR code linking directly to the pledge, workplace posters, FAQs and other digital resources. If you would like to request posters and leaflets to display in your workplace you can do here.

Take the pledge here.  

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

By coming together and showing a united front, the administration and household staff of Drumcondra Education Centre obtained an interim agreement from management following a dispute over changes to opening hours during periods when the centre was traditionally closed.  

Following a change in management at the centre issues arose last year. New management sought to extend the centre’s opening hours over the Christmas and Easter period without consultation with staff. 

To address the issue, workplace reps, supported by Fórsa and backed by their coworkers, sought to meet with management to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.

Fórsa assistant industrial officer Seán Joyce said: “At the first meeting with management flexibility was offered by members, but management were not willing to engage, despite the fact that there was clearly established custom and practice for leave.” 

Despite members engaging in good faith, management ceased responding to correspondence from Fórsa. 

Seán said: “Our members could see they were being ignored, they also felt that management was seeking to create division.” 

In the weeks following the first meeting with management, members held regular meetings and brought all their coworkers into the union, creating a united front. 

When the Easter week rosters were issued, members were unsurprised to find unilateral changes had been made, disregarding established custom and practice.  

Members met again and agreed a firm position. On their behalf, Fórsa issued correspondence to management informing them that staff would not accept the changes, would pursue industrial action, and would raise the dispute to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for conciliation. 

Management immediately requested a meeting to avoid escalation.  

An interim agreement was accepted by both parties which will see management honour established terms and conditions of members while asking for flexibility on rosters to facilitate extended opening hours.   

Seán said: “Members agreed to facilitate the centre opening this Easter, in good faith, and will continue to engage on a wider proposal.” 

“There is now 100% union density in their workplace. This dispute shows how powerful that can be. When everyone stood together, management had no choice but to come back to the table,” he concluded. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

Earlier this week, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) called on Government to convene the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF), a stakeholder engagement group that brings together trade unions, employer groups and Government representatives. 

Emphasising the need for consultation and engagement, ICTU president Phil Ní Sheaghdha said it was imperative that Government brings the group together to discuss the spiralling cost-of-living crisis and the cost of fuel, in particular.  

The meeting is now scheduled to take place next week. The ICTU president will attend along with ICTU vice president, and Fórsa deputy general secretary, Katie Morgan, and ICTU general secretary Owen Reidy.  

Welcoming the meeting, Katie said: “In times of crisis, consultation with trade unions is an absolute necessity. We will represent our members in the meeting and outline the actions we are calling for to ease the pressure on workers.” 

She continued: “Workers have not benefitted from any of the measures put in place to alleviate rising costs, that has to change. Short term and long-term measures are sorely needed.” 

ICTU general secretary Owen Reidy said: "Workers were already struggling with the cost of housing, fuel, food and childcare, and now they are facing an energy crisis that experts say is worse than anything we have seen in living memory. Government must work with trade unions and employers in formulating a cost-of-living response that supports families and workers.” 

Owen went on to outline measures ICTU is advocating for, which include reductions in the cost of public services, such as public transport, and greater flexibility from employers on remote and hybrid working arrangements to reduce commuting costs for workers. 

“The Government is clearly not responsible for this crisis, but it will be responsible for the policy choices it makes in response. We must see short and longer-term policy responses that prioritise the wellbeing and security of workers and citizens and not just business. If we do not see such policy responses, workers and unions will have to resort to reviewing and increasing the parameters of pay bargaining across the economy,” he concluded. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

The Dublin Council of Trade Unions and the ICTU Youth Committee are coming together around a simple, blunt question: “Can you afford to live?” For a growing number of workers, the answer is simply “no.” 

Rents swallow wages wholesale, while the overlapping crises in healthcare, housing and public transport are making life unbearable for many. That reality will not change on its own. May Day rallies have historically been an important movement-building tool, creating a space where people can come together, make connections and start to piece together collective strength. 

This year’s march begins at the Garden of Remembrance at 6.30pm and will kick off at 7.00pm, moving to a rally at Beresford Place, outside Liberty Hall and beside the James Connolly statue. 

Speakers are being drawn from a broad coalition that can speak to the theme and include the following:  Hollie Gregg, Co-Chair, ICTU Youth Committee Gerry Rooney, Neutrality and the Triple Lock coalition, Aisling Hedderman, Community Action Tenants Union (CATU), Eddie Conlon, Affordable Ireland Campaign.  

The rally will be chaired by Alison Regan, DCTU President. Music will be provided by Jimi Cullen. 

The emphasis on young workers this year is no accident. These are the workers experiencing the sharpest edge of the crisis - locked out of housing, pushed into precarious work, and often treated as an afterthought. 

All evidence points to an untapped potential for growth for trade unions among young people. RED C research in 2024 found that 44% of 18-34-year-olds in employment stated they would be interested in joining a union. 

Fórsa deputy general secretary Katie Morgan said: “A union movement that cannot root itself among younger workers has no long-term future. May Day is an opportunity to demonstrate that this isn’t just rhetoric.” 

Katie continued: “Movements are sustained not just through formal structures but through relationships, culture, and shared space. If people come once and feel connected, they come back to organise.” 

“So, tell other members. Bring your friends. Bring your banners and bring people who haven’t been before.” 

After the rally, there’s an after-party in the backroom of Clery’s Pub on Amien Street.  Keep your eyes peeled for the line-up which is still under wraps. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

Now in its third year, Trade Union Week annually features numerous grassroots events organised by Fórsa branches across the country. From information stalls to coffee mornings, social get-togethers and webinars, all manner of events are being set up for the week leading up to May Day. 

Merchandise packs are now on the way to branches that ordered them. If you didn’t request materials, you can still set up an event to help promote the benefits of joining a union and celebrate union members in workplaces across Ireland. The aim is to show all your colleagues why they should join their union and grow our movement together.  

From increasing your pay, better terms and conditions, protecting your job, and standing up for each other, there are so many reasons to join a trade union. And remember - it’s your collective power that wins for workers, and for each other. 

Trade Union Week takes place from Monday 27th April to Friday 1st May. 

You can download the event pack here. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

Exciting few months ahead for the Skills Academy, as the academic year approaches its end. 

There is plenty on offer, with important training sessions for new branch officers such as the ever-popular Fórsa Induction and a lot more available. 

If you see anything that interests you, you can email your branch training officer or the Skills Academy for more information.   

Resilience Building Workshop - Tuesday 21st April - Nerney’s Court, Dublin 

Last call for the Resilience Building Workshop. Don’t miss your chance to build your capacity to manage life’s ever-increasing list of duties and responsibilities. Learn how to manage and reduce stress and boost your awareness and understanding of others. 

Applications close on Wednesday 15th April. 

Live: Lunch & Learn – Putting the brakes on burnout: Building a better balance - Online - 1-2pm Friday 24th April  

This month, the Skills Academy will be joined by guest speaker Michael O’Toole, of Resilience Building Ireland. Michael will share his wealth of experience and expertise to help you avoid burnout. 

Be aware of the cumulative factors that contribute to burnout, learn how to bounce back from challenging situations, and how to create a better-balanced life to avoid burning out in the first place. Most definitely a session not to be missed. 

You can register for Live: Lunch & Learn here.   

Branch Treasurers Training - Thursday 7th May - Nerney’s Court  

Being a branch treasurer is one of the most important and overwhelming roles for a branch officer. Make the job manageable by making sure you know exactly what you need to do and when. 

Fórsa Induction - Online - Wednesday 13th May - Open to all new members    

If you’re new to Fórsa and still a bit confused by it all, join the Skills Academy for this short welcome session for new members. Learn about Fórsa and where you fit into it all, as well as the functions of trade unions, how we operate, how you can become more engaged, have your voice heard locally, and raise issues at divisional and national levels.    

Morning and evening sessions available.    

You can register for Fórsa Induction here.

Branch Chairs and Secretaries Training – Tuesday 19th May – Nerney’s Court   

If you’re a new branch chair, vice-chair, secretary, or vice-secretary, make the best of your time in the role with this training. All are demanding positions, and it can take a while to find your feet. Learn the responsibilities of each position and develop key skills to make your life easier so you can become more effective in delivering for branch members. 

To register for a course:    

Aside from Live: Lunch & Learn and Fórsa inductions, participation on all courses requires sign off from your branch and official. To apply, contact your branch training officer, or your branch secretary if there is no training officer in place. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

This year’s annual Workers’ Memorial Day ceremony will take place on Tuesday 28th April. 

Members are invited to attend the commemorative event to remember people who died, were injured, were made ill or bereaved through work-related accidents. 

The solemn event will take place in the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, at 9.30am. 

Fórsa activist Keivan Jackson encouraged members to attend and noted that workplace health risks are not confined only to physical injury. He said: “Fatalities at work are on the rise significantly, and while most of the recorded data reflects fatalities in sectors like agriculture and construction, it is now well documented that stress in the workplace leads to illness.” 

“Psychosocial risks at work are serious and can damage people’s health in the short and long term. As trade unionists we stand for everyone’s right to a healthy work environment.”  

In Ireland, 554 people died in work-related incidents between 2016 and 2025. Last year alone, 61 people died. 

Inviting members to the event, ICTU general secretary Owen Reidy said: “These are unacceptable figures, which can be reduced through a combined and intensified effort by all concerned. By working together and promoting the practice of health and safety in workplaces throughout Ireland we can achieve a significant drop in these dreadful numbers.”  

Should you wish to attend the event please email natalie.higgins@ictu.ie  

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.