Fórsa members across the country will have seen their union’s colours and logo in every county, city and town in Ireland over the past two weeks. Around 2,800 school secretaries and caretakers took indefinite strike action from 28th August. After seven days of strike action the union signed an agreement with the Department of Education at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) last Friday.

In Dublin, day one of the strike saw more than a thousand secretaries and caretakers descend on the Department of Public Expenditure to make sure their call - for pensions, fair leave, and a pay agreement for caretakers - was heard loud and clear.  

The crowd was addressed by branch chairs Luisa Carty and David Hearne, union leaders, politicians and committee members. Blanket media coverage put the strike firmly on the political agenda. Watch a video of the demo here. 

Department of Public Expenditure rally, Thursday 28th August.

Regional rallies followed on day two. Close to 400 workers gathered in Athlone at the Department of Education. Drums pounded, megaphones wailed, chants rolled back and forth. The pure energy was impossible to ignore. On Dublin’s Marlborough Street, hundreds of members lined the street between the Department of Education and the Pro Cathedral. Chants of ‘Hey Jack, we’re not going back’ rang out for more than three hours. 

School pickets 

On Monday of last week, members faced their third day of indefinite strike, this time picketing outside their own schools. For many this was one of the hardest days. Without the energy of collective gathering, many feared the isolation of standing alone outside their workplace.  

Their anxiety proved short-lived.  

Department of Education protest, Friday 29th August.

The overwhelming support from teachers, parents, SNAs and school communities provided a jolt of energy that grew throughout the week. Irish social media was flooded with images of Fórsa members the length and breadth of the country. Click here for some of the many photos sent in to Fórsa.

By Tuesday, pledges in support of the campaign had increased by 10,000, a figure which grew and grew in the days that followed. By last Friday more than 65,000 people had signed the pledge of support for the campaign. 

Political pressure continued to build as members picketed the constituency offices of government TDs. Members engaged respectfully with representatives and ministers at their local offices, outlining the basic entitlements they were fighting for, providing an opportunity for those TDs to publicly express their support. 

SNAs and Teachers supporting their colleagues outside Ennistymon Community Schools, Co Clare.

A joint statement by the teaching unions, on Thursday, urged the government to resolve the dispute before schools nationwide were forced to close. By that evening, the Minister for Education was calling on both sides to come to the table “without preconditions.” Fórsa resolved not to enter any talks in the absence of a guarantee that pensions would form part of the conversation.

Breakthrough 

Constituency office pickets resumed last Friday, the seventh day of strike action. A week of picketing, strong local and national media coverage and massive public support had strengthened members’ resolve.  

More than 300 secretaries and caretakers travelled to Jack Chambers' constituency office in Dublin. It was clear to every passerby, or anyone who watched the news coverage that day, that the game was up. A lunchtime interview with the Minister of Education on RTÉ radio appeared to provide an opening to talks. 

Protest outside Minister Jack Chambers TD's constituency office, Dublin, Tuesday 2nd September.

On Friday night Fórsa Head of Education Andy Pike confirmed an agreement had been signed, committing the Government to negotiate ‘comparable pension entitlements’ for school secretaries and caretakers.  

In a communication to members issued that evening, Andy described the agreement as a breakthrough. It marked the first time the State has formally accepted the principle that school secretaries and caretakers should not be excluded from pension entitlements comparable to those available to teachers and SNAs. 

He paid tribute to the striking members: “This is your win, your campaign, your achievement. Without your determination and relentless organisation, we could never have gotten to this point.  

“Your pursuit of fairness and equal treatment has defined this strike. The unprecedented public support demonstrated that the immense value of your work is recognised all over this country.” 

Rally outside Leinster House, Tuesday 2nd September.

Talks got underway this week and will resume later this month. Speaking to media outside the WRC on Wednesday, Andy expressed optimism that the Government will honour the agreement: “We were very clear what we were looking for. The agreement was signed. Now it’s time to deliver, so we go in here with a sense of optimism."

“We’re determined to do right by the people who put us in here, who took the campaign that far. We’ll be here as long as it takes,” he said. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

On Thursday 25th September the second ever SNA Appreciation Day will take place in schools around the country. 

Last year over 3,750 schools took part in the day, taking the opportunity to pay tribute to the essential work done by Special Needs Assistants in schools every day. 

An important part of the day is the SNA Appreciation Day competition. Thanks to sponsors Cornmarket and Dubco there are eight 1,000 euro prizes up for grabs. 

Prizes will go to one lucky school and one lucky SNA in each of Fórsa’s four SNA branch regions: Connaught/Ulster, Munster, North Dublin/North Leinster and South Dublin/South Leinster. 

All schools are eligible for nomination, and anyone, school staff, parents, and SNAs themselves are encouraged to nominate their school.  

Only SNAs who are Fórsa members are eligible to win in the SNA draws, and the competition is open to new members, so if you know anyone who wants to join, they should do so now, so they can be in with a chance to win.

Packs have been sent to schools, with recruitment materials, posters explaining the competitions, and application forms so members can encourage their colleagues to join the union. 

The competition is now open and will close on 19th September. Click here to enter! 

Fórsa official Noreen O’Mahony said: “We have four active SNA branches nationally, and 15,000 members who are SNAs. Paying tribute to the vital role they play in supporting students with additional needs and the school communities in which they work is really important. It was a brilliant day last year and we’re looking forward to this year’s celebrations.” 

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Fórsa has commenced a ballot of members at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) following management’s failure to consult with the union on a number of recent senior appointments.  

The union is balloting Professional, Management and Support Staff (PMSS) in a dispute centred on TU Dublin’s decision to proceed with external recruitment for three interim senior posts without engaging Fórsa or notifying internal staff.  

Fórsa official Barbara Anderson explained: “The union had sought a pause in the recruitment process to allow for proper consultation and an opportunity for internal applicants to be considered. However, management ignored the request, and recruitment went ahead without any meaningful engagement.” 

Barbara said management delayed its response to union requests for talks at the WRC (Workplace Relations Commission) while continuing with the recruitment process: “It was only after this process had concluded that management indicated a willingness to engage.  

“While developments represent a clear breach of established consultation and engagement provisions under public service agreements, it reveals a serious disregard for TUD staff,” she said. 

Fórsa’s Higher Education branch said management’s actions left members with no choice but to consider industrial action.   

An electronic ballot opened on Monday 8th September and will close next Monday 15th September at 12.30pm. Each member will have received an email with their voting link. Please check your junk or spam folders if the email has not appeared in your inbox. 

Barbara urged members to make their voice heard: “This ballot is your opportunity to express a clear view on how TU Dublin has handled this issue. It is vital that members participate fully in the ballot process.  

“A strong turnout will send the clearest possible message that Fórsa members will not accept being excluded from proper consultation on key issues affecting their workplace. By voting, you are demonstrating solidarity with your colleagues and ensuring that your union has the strongest possible mandate to protect and advance your interests,” she said. 

More information on the ballot for industrial action can be found here.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

Fórsa has made a submission to Ireland’s Independent Covid-19 evaluation highlighting the essential contribution of the union and its members during the pandemic and calling for a permanent return to structured social dialogue in national policymaking.   

As Ireland’s largest public service union, Fórsa and its members were critical to the national response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fórsa’s policy and research officer, Aisling Cusack, said: “Fórsa members, and their commitment to public service, were essential to the overall contribution to the crisis response. They were relied upon to deliver state supports and keep the country afloat. Without their cooperation and commitment, the Government’s capacity to respond would have been significantly reduced.” 

Fórsa members implemented key income supports such as the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), processing hundreds of thousands of claims within weeks. For example, the PUP was announced on 16 March 2020, and by 30 March 2020, 283,000 people had been approved for receipt of the payment. This was the equivalent to a 19-month caseload in normal times.  

At the same time, many public servants were swiftly redeployed to essential services and high-need areas from healthcare to social protection, where their work was essential to containing the spread of the virus and supporting vulnerable communities.   

The union’s submission also centred on a call to embed social dialogue as a permanent feature of national policymaking, citing the Covid-19 emergency response as an example of successful tripartite policy development and effective implementation. 

Fórsa’s general secretary Kevin Callinan said: “Our experience during Covid – 19 demonstrates that, even in times of unprecedented crisis, social dialogue can deliver innovative policy solutions to address national problems. Tripartite policymaking should also exist outside of a crisis, to help resolve ongoing issues and find solutions where communities have been failed.” 

“Despite the successful outcomes of social dialogue during Covid-19, once the immediate danger of the virus receded, the Government returned to its old ways and quickly began to reprioritise markets over communities, neglecting to meaningfully engage with workers.” 

Based on structured interviews with senior union officials, the submission highlights that pandemic responses were more effective, trusted, and equitable where structured social dialogue united unions, employers, and the government.  

This extensive stakeholder engagement correlated with the effectiveness and appropriateness of the response, as well as public acceptance of, and adherence to, government policies. 

Fórsa’s submission also recommended the Government move away from its economic model which prioritises privatisation, short-termism, and chronic underinvestment in public services. Instead, it called for the adoption of a proactive and progressive economic strategy that would deliver better quality of life for workers and build stronger communities. 

You can find Fórsa’s full submission to the evaluation here.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

On Tuesday 14th October the first ever conference for retired members of Fórsa will take place in Fórsa offices, Nerney's Court, Dublin 1. 

The day will begin with registration and tea/coffee from 10.00am and will wrap up at 4.00pm latest. 

Throughout the day a range of speakers will address the event on topics including pension and financial advice, volunteering in the community, personal security, health and wellbeing, and more. 

There will also be stands hosted by partner organisations who will be on hand to share advice and answer your questions. 

Chair of the Retired Members Association (RMA) Martin Bridgeman said: “We’re really excited to host the first ever conference for retired members. It will provide members with expert advice and will also be a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends and perhaps make some new ones too.”

Registration for this event is only open to retired member of Fórsa. To register to attend please click here. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

In July the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partners and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 passed both Houses of the Oireachtas and was signed in to law by the President.  

This legislation extends eligibility to the current Widow’s, Widower’s and Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension to qualified cohabitants in Ireland. 

This Bill came as a result of a Supreme Court judgment in January 2024, which found in favour of the applicant, Johnny O’Meara, and his children, when it overturned a previous decision to refuse him a Widower’s Contributory Pension on the grounds that he and his deceased partner were not married. In its ruling the Supreme Court acknowledged that a legislative change was required to resolve the issues raised by its judgment. 

The eligibility for the payment will now be extended to ‘qualified cohabitants’ who have been in an intimate and committed relationship for a period of two years if they have children, or five years if they do not. 

The scheme will now be known as the Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension to reflect the more inclusive nature of the payment. 

Fórsa official Catriona Oates said:  “This piece of legislation is important in two ways. Not only does it recognise the diversity of Irish families today, but it also puts these families on an equal footing. For too long, couples who decided not to marry, and their children, were treated unfairly and this legislation rectifies that.” 

Payments will commence from the date of the Supreme Court Judgment, 22 January 2024, or later if the death is after this date. People will have six months from the date of enactment (21st July) to make a claim where the death occurred before that date. 

The following schemes will also be amended to include qualified cohabitants. 

• Widow’s, Widower’s and Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension (This is a means tested payment if the PRSI condition isn’t satisfied and payable where there are no dependant children.) 
• Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner Grant (This is a once-off payment of €8,000 to widows, widowers, surviving civil partners and surviving cohabitants with dependent children.)  
• Death Benefit Scheme under the Occupational Injuries Scheme (Payable if an insured person dies because of an accident at work or from a disease that is related to their work.) 

Further information and the relevant application forms are available on gov.ie: Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension, Bereaved Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

Applications are now open for the Fórsa third level grant support scheme for union representatives for the 2025/26 academic year. 

The scheme is part of Fórsa’s commitment to providing union representatives with the confidence and skills to carry out their role as union representatives.

Under the grant support scheme, successful applicants will be provided with financial assistance to undertake a certified educational course at third level. 

To qualify for the scheme, a course must provide qualifications and skills which will benefit a member in their work, union, and personal life. It must be third level at either post-leaving cert or undergraduate level. Post graduate qualifications are not covered.   

The grant is not intended to assist in the progression of a member’s professional development or career. Only course applications that will benefit a union representative in the carrying out of their role as a union representative will be successful. 

The scheme is open to all union representatives. A union representative role includes performing any role on behalf of their union colleagues at workplace, branch, vocational group or other level. 

To qualify for the scheme a member must: 

• Be a current paid up member of Fórsa in good standing. 
• Be able to provide details of their role, current or past, as a union representative. 
• Have the support of their own union branch (an authorised branch officer will need to sign the form before submission.) 
• Explain how the course content will assist them to better carry out the role of union representative. 
• Be able to provide details of the course and verification of course fees from the course provider. 
• Be able to provide evidence of having applied to their employer seeking funding for their course. 

Grants are based on the gross cost of undertaking the course up to a maximum of €3,000 per year. The amount awarded to successful applicants will be decided by the Membership Services Committee.  

Applications must be submitted via email to bursaries@forsa.ie by 5.30pm Thursday 16th October 2025. 

Further details are available here. 

Application form is available here. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

This September the Skills Academy returns from their summer slow-down, with a jam-packed schedule full of fantastic training opportunities. Digital and Social Media training, Data Protection training, and the Limerick sessions of the Level 1 Workplace Representatives’ Training still have places available for interested members. Added to these is September's Lunch and Learn, this month covering heart health with an expert speaker from the Irish Heart Foundation. 

Digital and Social Media training (Level 1) – Tuesday 23rd September Dublin, Tuesday 30th September Limerick  

Now in its second year this course has now split into level 1 and level 2 courses. This level 1 course is an introduction to social media, ideal for anyone who has limited knowledge of social media or has only used social media to talk to friends. Get a firm grasp of the basics, then take on the level 2 and learn how to use social media intentionally as an activist. 

Only a few places remain, so if this course strikes your interest, register immediately! 

To register for this course, follow this link here.

Prerequisites: permission from your branch and assigned Fórsa Official  

Live: Lunch and Learn – Friday 26th September - Online 

In this month’s Lunch and Learn the Skills Academy will be joined by an expert speaker from the Irish Heart Foundation for a session on everything related to heart health. From the importance of heart health to the signs and symptoms to watch out for, and the effects of stress, this session will arm you with what you need to know to keep your heart healthy. 

To register for this session, follow this link here.

Data Protection - Wednesday 15th October - Online 

This is an essential training for every Fórsa activist. As a rep you will be handling members’ personal data in one way or another. This course will teach you what the legislation says, what responsibilities you have, and what the repercussions may be if things go wrong. Importantly, this course will let you know what to do when you make a mistake, who to contact and how they will help you protect yourself, your branch, and the union. 

To register for this course, follow this link here.

Prerequisites: permission from your branch and assigned Fórsa Official 
 

Level 1 Workplace Representatives’ Training – Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th October - Limerick 

Our trainings for workplace reps are designed to give reps the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in the role. Ideal for new workplace reps with no previous experience and training, this training covers all the basic skills that a rep will need.  

The level 1 course covers the role and function of the workplace representative, improving interpersonal skills and building good working relations, organising your union work, recruiting members, handling problems, an introduction to equality and diversity, and health and safety. 

This will be the only level 1 session of the workplace representatives’ training to take place in Limerick this year, so reps living and working in Limerick and the surrounding counties will not want to miss this opportunity. 

To register for this course, follow this link here.

Prerequisites: permission from your branch and assigned Fórsa Official, and completion of the Fórsa Induction course.  

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa. 

As the dust settles on a seven-day strike by Fórsa school secretaries and caretakers, we’ve one last video to share - one that captures the colour, the spirit, and the sheer energy from the pickets and protests that shook the country last week. 

From mass rallies outside the Dáil and the Department of Education in both Dublin and Athlone, to pickets outside quiet rural schools and on busy urban streets, to the noisy new tactic of protesting outside politicians’ constituency offices - everywhere it was the warmth of friends and family, the solidarity of other school workers, and the constant beeps of passing cars that kept morale sky high. 

Nobody saw the scale of this movement coming. And yet here it was. Luisa Carty, Chair of the union's school secretaries branch didn’t mince her words: 

“We're sending a very clear message to the Department of Education and the Department of Public Expenditure that we're not standing down, we're going to stay out outside our schools indefinitely. We are not giving up. We're here for the long haul, no doubt about it. We want to make sure that those people inside in the building hear what we have to say. It's like they had their heads buried in the sand.” 

In Gort, one worker of twenty years has a pension already, but he was inspired by the rally in Dublin and travelled to Athlone to stand with colleagues. “Like if we were out sick for a day there's mayhem,” he says. 

At a school in Phibsboro, principal Ray Ryan stood on the picket with his colleagues Colette and Derek, saying: “My school cannot run effectively without a caretaker or without a secretary. They're getting the message loud and clear now, and there's a lot of support outside the school this morning. Parents really, truly understand how important the role of a caretaker and secretary is.” 

And outside the Department in Dublin, Elaine Finn put it plainly: “We're the only people in our school who are not recognized by the government as public workers. On a daily basis we liaise with the likes of the HSE, we do the online claim system. We deal with a lot of government agencies, and we are doing the job of public servants but are not recognised as such.” 

Her colleague Dominic, 32 years a caretaker, still working aged 82, says he loves his job - but the frustration in his voice is obvious. His is the human cost of government neglect. 

“We work hard all year round. I’m first in the mornings and I’m last to leave.” 

The following week, after a day on school pickets, members assembled at government TD’s offices around the country, and at Leinster House in Dublin. Sharon Coady, 18 years a school secretary, spoke about what others take for granted: “There’s parts of the job that nobody sees, that nobody values but we know we do a good job.” 

For her, much of the work is invisible, emotional labour. “Kids trust us and come to us when they need things. And like the office is like such a haven for children, which is important to me.” 

Picketing outside her school in Marino, Jacinta Brady, a secretary with 32 years’ service says: “I'd like to have some security at the end of it. We always preach equality, but we're not treated equally. And that's basically what we're calling for.” 

In Dunmore East, friends, family, and fellow staff joined a rain-soaked picket. Even the kids got involved, lining up like a football team and chanting “Pension! Pension! Pension!” with their secretary, Eileen O’Sullivan, at the centre. A long-time organiser, she’s had enough and it’s a day tinged with emotion. 

“We've been over 20 years trying to fight this injustice in our schools. I just came to work this morning, but for the first time in 31 years, I cried before I came up because it's a job I love, and I can't see why I should be out here on a picket asking for something that we are entitled to.” 

In Ferrybank, Waterford, caretaker branch chair David Hearne was on the phone, buzzing as he co-ordinated pickets across the area. “It feels good. It feels good to know we’re still going full steam ahead and we’re not stopping anytime soon.” 

Back in Dublin, Marino caretaker Liam summed it up the strength collective action has demonstrated, saying: “It's bizarre that in this day and age that people can be expected to do so much, have no recourse, nothing. You know, they have no pension at the end of it. It's disgraceful. Join a union. Stand together there’s safety in numbers. Stand together. Shoulder to shoulder, one for all, all for one.” 

Two decades of waiting, years of frustration, a campaign built over two years and a week of unstoppable action. A strike that nobody saw coming, but one that’s already written itself into history. 

Watch the video here. 

Get Connected 

Subscribe to Fórsa’s YouTube channel and get the latest stories straight from other workers and members themselves. Hear what matters most in workplaces and communities across the island. Click here to subscribe, stay connected, and don’t forget - share widely and let’s strengthen our collective voice!  

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

Next week, the National Ploughing Championships, one of Europe’s largest outdoor events, will take place in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly from 16th - 18th September. 

Better known simply as ‘the ploughing’ the event is held every September and draws over 1,700 exhibitors and had 277,000 visitors in 2022. For the second time ever Fórsa will have a stand at the event.   

What started off as a contest where participants plough parts of a field has become famed for showcasing an incredible array of high end, cutting edge agricultural machinery, prize animals, bombastic business marquees hawking their wares, and a not to be missed opportunity for many politicians.   

Khalid El-Busaidy, senior membership recruitment officer with Fórsa, sees the event as an opportunity to do some practical organising on site and map out various workplaces.  

“Last year was our first year, our plan was to get down there and make our presence felt.  We learnt a lot and realised that we have lots of members working at various stalls for government bodies and community organisations,” reflects Khalid.  

“This year we’ll have officers from across the divisions down to tackle the intricacies of any questions you might have” he explains. 

Speaking about why the union will be at the ploughing this year, Fórsa President Martin Walsh said: “Our union stands up for workers across this island, no matter where they live and work. It’s really important that we’re present at the Ploughing Championships to meet existing members and sign-up new members. Better public services, good work-life balance, equality, and fair wages affect us all.” 

“We’re in the Education & Business Hub, stand 511. If you’re thinking about joining the union, come and have a chat. We’ll have plenty of Fórsa merchandise and materials, so drop by, pick up some bits, and take something back for your workmates,” says Khalid. 

“As the old joke goes, we might not be able to shield you from the muck, but we can protect you from your boss!” he adds with a grin. 

You’ll find Fórsa at the Education & Business -The Hub - Duhallow - Block 4 Row 27 St 511.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.

In a direct response to an “alarming escalation” in violence, United Against Racism and Le Chéile are co-hosting an anti-racist, multicultural community carnival in Dublin on Saturday, 27 September 2025 at 1pm. 

It will gather at the Garden of Remembrance and march to the Custom House. 

As online toxicity seeps off the screens and onto our streets, a spike in racist attacks has taken place over the summer.  

Director of campaigns Kevin Donoghue said: “We need to stand united against the brewers of online hate that are emboldening the people behind these attacks. It’s the mass organisations of our trade unions, the networks of community groups, and the organisations working at local level across this country who really represent the values of our society” 

“No matter how many memes they make, or how much they astro-turf opinion, Ireland is not represented by the turbo-charged, parallel universe of hate-fuelled social media accounts, bolstered by foreign billionaires desperate to interfere in our democracy.” 

“This march gives members an opportunity to change the narrative and show how powerful our real world solidarity is,” said Kevin. "The organisers are asking that people spread the word and share the details as far as possible. Stand up to racism and the rhetoric of hate.  Let’s make this one huge."

The event details are on Facebook here. More information can be found over on Instagram via United Against Racism and Le Chéile. The event poster is downloadable here for sharing. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.