Delegates to Fórsa’s national conference last week unanimously voted to back a motion instructing the union to support members that may be subjected to far-right agitation and backlash in their workplace and communities. The motion also called on the NEC to work with branches to promote positive relations between communities and people living in direct provision and asylum centres and strengthen our efforts to counter the rise of far-right ideology in Ireland.

Speaking to the motion, Cathaoirleach to the Local Government and Local Services Division Michael Whyms described how Fórsa supported library workers as they were repeatedly subjected to vicious and vile attacks by far-right agitators who came to their workplaces.

“Library workers had abuse hurled at them while being recorded. Their safety at work was gravely threatened. The solidarity this union showed library workers last year demonstrates how powerful we are when we stand together,” he said.

The Local Government Chair told delegates that the far- right is no friend of workers.

“While we build communities and connection, they seek only to sow division. The far right isn’t organising workers on the issues that will make Ireland a better country to live and work in - we are. Far right agitators aren’t campaigning to build public housing, or to fund the health services, or for better pay - we are,” he said.

Michael Devine, a Cork based library assistant described to the Irish Independent the effect this abuse has on him and his colleagues. 

“It really had a very distressing effect on staff, particularly, I’ll say, some of the gentler staff. People who are not used to this sort of thing. They were seriously, seriously upset and we were very worried about the mental health of some of our colleagues at the time. Even for myself, I’ve a lengthy retail career. I’m very used to dealing with some pretty tough public interactions and I found it incredibly distressing.”

Fórsa continues to stand against the far right’s hateful messages of racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia and bigotry.

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