Articles A
Fórsa seeks water assurances
by Hazel Gavigan
 

Fórsa has sought a meeting with local government minister Darragh O’Brien before any proposals for the future of water services are put to the Cabinet. 


Fórsa has sought a meeting with local government minister Darragh O’Brien before any proposals for the future of water services are put to the Cabinet.

 

Peter Nolan, the head of the union’s local government and municipal divisions, wrote to him last week to express concerns over recent media reports on the issue.

 

It was reported that a document was circulated by the minister’s department which said a framework on the future of water service delivery must be drawn up by July and fully implemented next year.

 

This would result in the transfer of local authority water workers to a national water utility. The document also implied that an outcome may have to be enforced if agreement was not reached with Fórsa and other unions.

 

In his letter to the minister, Peter reminded him of guarantees previously given by his department.

 

“Assurances that there would be no forced transfer of staff to a new entity, that a constitutional referendum on the ownership of water services would be held, and that there would be no predetermined outcome on the corporate status of any new entity, amongst others, were given to unions in a Workplace Relations Commission process.

 

“At a meeting last July, the union side emphasised that workers had expressed a lack of confidence in proposed Government measures. If anything, this position has hardened in the interim.

 

“Throughout the pandemic, local authority workers have shown enormous flexibility to ensure the continued maintenance and supply of water and wastewater services. It will be next to impossible to retain this cooperation if the Minister reneges on commitments already given to the union,” Peter said.

 

This position was echoed by Tommy Kavanagh of Fórsa’s Municipal Divisional Executive, who works in Dublin city council’s water services. “Local authority workers in water services are not prepared to be conscripted to a new employer,” he said.

 

Peter warned that the union will not engage in processes where artificial deadlines are set, or where the outcomes are predetermined.

It’s never been more important – or easier– to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

Councils urged to limit staff attendance
by Bernard Harbor and Hazel Gavigan
 

Local authorities have again been urged to limit workplace attendance during the Level Five lockdown. 


Local authorities have again been urged to limit workplace attendance during the Level Five lockdown.

 

Following an intervention by Fórsa, the Local Government Management Association (LGMA), which represents employers in the sector, has told councils that workplace attendance should be confined to “staff who are essential for the delivery of essential services and who cannot do so from home.”

 

In a letter to the union, the LGMA also praised council workers for their exemplary performance in delivering essential services within public health guidelines. “The safety of all staff remains the key priority for our sector, and this is reflected in the detailed safety guidance protocols which are in place in each local authority,” it said.

 

The employers’ body said local councils would continue to review operational plans to minimise risks to staff.

 

The LGMA agreed to write to local authorities after Fórsa complained that many workers were unnecessarily being told to report to workplaces. The union recognises the need to provide essential services but says that, at the height of the pandemic, more can be done through remote working.

 

The head of Fórsa’s local government and municipal divisions, Peter Nolan, said most local authorities had been adhering to public health advice, but this wasn’t the case in all areas.

 

“The union understands that responding to the needs of homeless people is essential, whereas dealing with long-term rent arrears is not. Equally, landscaping and plant control in parks is not a priority during a pandemic,” he said.

 

Earlier this month, Fórsa said guidelines issued to local authorities managers and other public service managers fell short of official Government advice to employers across the economy. As a result, there had been no significant reduction in the numbers of public service staff being instructed to travel to work since the country entered level five restrictions last December.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier– to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

Members encourage you to vote
by Hazel Gavigan
 

Fórsa members and activists are encouraging their colleagues to vote in the union’s ballot on the proposed public service pay agreement, Building Momentum.


Fórsa members and activists are encouraging their colleagues to vote in the union’s ballot on the proposed public service pay agreement, Building Momentum.

 

Members who work in the civil and public service, or non-commercial State agencies, still have the chance to vote after the ballot deadline was extended to noon on Monday 22nd February

 

Donna Mooney, who works in Revenue, said the deal’s mechanism for addressing the additional hours introduced under the Haddington Road agreement was a major reason for her to vote in favour.

 

 

“The additional hours are one of the biggest issues for me and my colleagues. However, regardless of how you feel about the agreement you should vote because this isn’t predetermined and all voices need to be heard,” she said.

 

Special Needs Assistant (SNA), Jesslyn Henry said she voted ‘yes’ because she feels Building Momentum is the best chance for SNAs to renegotiate their terms and conditions. “But no matter what way you decide to vote, please ensure you do so,” she urged.

 

Fórsa has also created an FAQ page for members to consult before casting their vote. It includes information about proposed pay increases, working time, public service pension implications and more. And it invites you to send in your questions.

 

For more information and to cast your vote, click here.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier– to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

Unions consulted on domestic violence leave
by Mehak Dugal
 

The equality minister has invited the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) to discuss proposals for the introduction of domestic violence leave.


The equality minister has invited the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) to discuss proposals for the introduction of domestic violence leave.

 

Speaking at an ICTU briefing last week, Roderic O’Gorman said he was also seeking the views of employers on the potential impact of the initiative, so that it could be implemented in ways that minimise any potentially negative impacts on business.

 

The minister told the ICTU briefing that there was an epidemic of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Ireland, and that the Covid-19 emergency had created specific risks for its victims.

 

He pledged that legislative proposals for a statutory entitlement to paid domestic violence leave would be brought forward by the end of this year.

 

The proposed legislation will include “an examination of domestic violence leave at international level, the identification of best practice including the gaps in that best practice, and the development of a suitable model for rollout in Ireland,” he said.

 

The ICTU session also heard from New Zealand Green Party MP Jan Logie, who was the driving force behind the introduction of paid domestic violence leave there. She said it was important to extend the legislation to those caring for affected children, and to ensure protections against discrimination on the grounds of being victims.

 

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to undertake an investigation into paid leave and support for victims, and commits to a statutory entitlement or paid domestic violence leave to be introduced by end of this year.

 

See the full recording of the ICTU webinar HERE.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

New bullying code published
by Mehak Dugal
 

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has published a new bullying code of practice, which applies to all employers and employees regardless of where they work.


The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has published a new bullying code of practice, which applies to all employers and employees regardless of where they work.

 

The new code, which received ministerial approval last week, replaces earlier guidelines from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the WRC.

 

It defines bullying as “repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise...which could be reasonably regarded as undermining the individual’s right to dignity at work.”

 

A recent NUI Galway study found that bullying is more prevalent in the public sector than elsewhere, and that 1.7 million days are lost due to workplace bullying each year, at a cost to the economy of €239 million.

 

Productivity loss isn’t the only negative consequence, as workplace bullying has also shown to impact early retirement and presenteeism.

 

The new code underpins employers’ responsibility to “clearly state that bullying in the workplace is not acceptable” and emphasises their responsibility to deal with any complaints of this nature in a sensitive manner.

 

Furthermore, the new code also draws a clear line of distinction between the often interchangeable use of the terms harassment and bullying. The new code specifically relates to bullying rather than harassment.

 

Extensive consultations between the HSA and WRC, along with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and a public consultation on the topic resulted in the updated code of practice, which can be viewed HERE.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

Tánaiste seeks to water down workers’ rights
by Bernard Harbor
 

Irish unions have criticised an attempt by Ireland and eight other EU Governments to gut proposed new EU rules that would strengthen collective bargaining.


Irish unions have criticised an attempt by Ireland and eight other EU Governments to gut proposed new EU rules that would strengthen collective bargaining.

 

The reproach came after Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and eight of his counterparts suggested that a proposed European directive on workplace negotiating rights be demoted to the status of a ‘recommendation.’

 

EU recommendations have no legal force, whereas directives must be written into national laws.

 

The EU Commission’s draft directive would require EU member states to take actions to increase the number of workers who benefit from collective bargaining to a minimum of 70%. Coverage in Ireland is currently around 40%, compared to an EU average of 65%.

 

Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) assistant general secretary Owen Reidy said a recommendation would be “useless” in Ireland, which has weak collective bargaining rights compared to many EU states.

 

He also rejected claims that the proposed directive interfered with the EU principle of subsidiarity, which means that decisions should be taken at national level whenever possible.

 

“The relevant Dáil committee looked at this issue in December 2020 and, based on six out of seven independent [legal] opinions settled that there was no issue of subsidiarity,” he said.

 

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan, who is also ICTU vice president, said Irish unions were demanding that EU measures take the form of a directive rather than a recommendation.

 

“Stronger collective bargaining rights mean more protections and better wages for working women and men. If the draft directive falls, it will not be because of Brussels. It will because too many member states – including the Republic of Ireland – have blocked it,” he said.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

Pension auto-enrolment delay disappoints
by Róisín McKane
 

The rollout of the auto-enrolment pension scheme is set to be delayed by at least a year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Fórsa has learned.


The rollout of the auto-enrolment pension scheme is set to be delayed by at least a year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Fórsa has learned.

 

When implemented, the scheme will see employees automatically enrolled into an occupational pension scheme, and receive contributions from both the State and their employer to help them save for retirement.

 

The scheme has long been seen as an essential tool in ensuring people have enough to live on in retirement. First mooted as far back as 2006, it’s been a long time in the planning, and now looks to be facing further delays.

 

Briefing notes obtained from the Department of Social Protection reveal that the Government now favours a gradual introduction of the scheme.

 

Approximately 65% of private sector employees are entirely dependant on the State pension once they retire. Two of the biggest sectors set to benefit from the new scheme are hospitality and retail, both of which have been decimated by the pandemic.

 

The Department has indicated that rollout of the scheme is not feasible at present given the particular strain it would put on employers. 

 

Fórsa official Billy Hannigan said he was disappointed but not surprised by the delay. “Employees and employers are under enormous financial strain at this time. While understandable, it’s important to note that this issue will not go away and will need to be addressed at some stage,” he said.

 

Earlier this week the Pensions Commission launched a public consultation process on the future of state pensions in Ireland. The Commission is tasked with looking at ways to ensure the sustainability of state pensions and the social insurance fund into the future. Preparation on Fórsa’s submission is underway.

 

“Without auto-enrolment, supporting future retirees will continue to be a challenge,” Billy said.

 

For more information on auto-enrolment click HERE. 

 

For more information on the Pensions Commission click HERE

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

Help sought for bereaved families
by Niall Shanahan
 

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has written to social protection minister Heather Humphreys urging the elimination of unnecessary bureaucracy faced by bereaved people cancelling public services following the death of a loved one.


The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has written to social protection minister Heather Humphreys urging the elimination of unnecessary bureaucracy faced by bereaved people cancelling public services following the death of a loved one.

 

Congress general secretary Patricia King acknowledged the sensitivity and professionalism of public servants in their dealings with people who have suffered a bereavement, and asked the minister to close a gap in service delivery that requires families to separately contact different sections of Government departments to notify them of the death.

 

ICTU policy officer Laura Bambrick explained: “When a loved one dies and after they are laid to rest, attention has to turn to putting their affairs in order. This is no small task for grieving relatives.

 

“For some, this will include starting the probate process, notifying insurance companies and financial institutions, cancelling utilities and subscriptions, closing social media and email accounts. For all, it will require contacting numerous branches of the state to cancel benefits, entitlements and public services.

 

“During this extraordinarily difficult time, a bereaved relative must telephone, write or even attend each relevant section within each government department and public body to notify them of the death, often repeating the same information, such as name, PPS number and the date of death,” she said.

 

Dr Bambrick gave the example of the death of an older person, and the wide range of service providers that need to be contacted: “Within the Department of Social Protection the next-of-kin must register the death in a civil registration office, contact the pensions section, the free travel section and, maybe also, the carers sections.

 

“Within the HSE, the medical card section, each hospital department to cancel appointments and close files and, maybe also, the home help section, the respite services section and the day care services section all have to be notified that the service user has died.

 

“Revenue will have to be contacted to settle tax issues, the NDLS to cancel a driving licence and the deceased’s passport returned to the passport office for cancellation.

 

“It’s not unreasonable to assume that is the inevitable price to be paid for a big state that provides us with an extensive social safety net and wide range of public services when alive. But navigating this bureaucratic maze is complex, time-consuming and risks causing upset when official correspondence addressed to their loved one arrives, which can often happen,” she said.

 

Congress has called upon the minister to give consideration to the process for death notifications in the UK, where a free ‘tell us once’ service allows bereaved relatives to notify multiple central and local government services at one time.

 

The head of Fórsa’s Civil Service Division, Derek Mullen, said as many as 30,000 families were affected each year. “I think it’s fair to say that we should always consider ways of improving the experience of service users, especially those experiencing the stress and difficulties associated with grief. Our members in departments such as Social Protection and Revenue make great effort to ensure a speedy and professional service  for people struggling with a bereavement.

 

“There is an opportunity here for the minister to engage with the idea, and look at how the range of services might be coordinated to deliver an approach that’s easier for bereaved families to navigate,” he said.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier– to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

Feature Article
Pay deal ballot extended
 

The deadline for Fórsa members to vote on the proposed public service agreement called Building Momentum has been extended until noon on Monday 22nd February. The original closing date was 11th February.


The deadline for Fórsa members to vote on the proposed public service agreement called Building Momentum has been extended until noon on Monday 22nd February. The original closing date was 11th February.

 

The extension, which is designed to maximise the opportunity for members to participate in the ballot, became possible when the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) put back its deadline for individual unions to reach a decision.

 

ICTU’s Public Services Committee will now meet on 23rd February to take a collective decision to accept or reject the agreement. This is done on the basis of a weighted aggregate of individual union ballot outcomes, which means large unions like Fórsa have a huge impact on the decision.

 

The union is making huge efforts to inform and enable members to cast their votes at a time when it’s impossible to reach them in the usual way.

 

The progressive nature of the pay measures in the deal means its percentage value is heavily skewed towards staff earning less than €50,000 a year. It’s also the first public service agreement to address the additional working time introduced under the 2013 Haddington Road agreement

 

Because of Covid-19 restrictions, Fórsa members can only vote via our electronic voting platform. You need a ‘unique voter code’ to enable you to vote, and this code has been sent to eligible Fórsa members by email. Members who’ve misplaced their details have been urged to contact the union’s email helpline at ballothelpdesk@forsa.ie immediately.

 

Fórsa will now continue to issue ‘unique voter codes’ to eligible members who contact the union’s ballot helpdesk until 5.00pm on Friday 19th February.

 

Fórsa’s elected National Executive has recommended acceptance of the deal.

 

Details of the proposed new agreement, including the full text of Building Momentum, are available on www.forsa.ie

 

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

 

 

Also in this issue
New pension payment falls short
by Róisín McKane
 

Fórsa has broadly welcomed news that retirees aged between 65 and 66 will no longer have to sign on to receive social welfare income support in the year between retirement and qualifying for the state pension. But the union has criticised the rate at which the benefit will be paid.

 

The benefit, announced by social protection minister Heather Humphries this week, will be paid at a flat rate of €203 per week. That’s equivalent to the maximum jobseeker's benefit rate.

 

Crucially, recipients will no longer have to sign on at a social welfare office to qualify for the payment, and will be free to take up an education course and still avail of the benefit.

 

Until now, workers who had to retire at the traditional retirement age of 65 were left with no option but to sign on and be available for work.

 

Fórsa official Billy Hannigan has welcomed the scheme, but said it still falls short.

 

“For many, due to their contract of employment, retiring at the age of 65 is their only option. After a lifetime of working, “signing on” can be demoralising. We absolutely welcome the measures in the new scheme which addresses this,” he said.

 

Billy expressed disappointment however, at the rate at which this new benefit will be paid, considering that in January 2020 both leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael committed to introducing a transition payment equal to the value of the old age pension for those forced to retire before qualifying for the State payment.

 

“The difference amounts to €45 less per week, which is €2,355 for the year. It’s disappointing that this it being paid at the same value as Jobseeker’s Benefit and not the State pension, despite a commitment from the then Government in 2020,” he said.

 

Eligibility for the payment is determined by a person’s PRSI contributions, and applications can be made online.

 

For more information on the “New Benefit for 65 Year Olds” click HERE

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

 

Unions promote human rights
by Hazel Gavigan
 

A webinar on the role of trade unions in promoting and protecting human rights and equality is now available to watch online here. 

 

‘Promoting and protecting human rights and equality: The potential of the public sector equality and human rights duty for trade unions,’ aims to advance the rights of public sector workers and service users, while enhancing the quality of public policy and services.

 

It was jointly hosted by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) last October.

 

Fórsa general secretary and ICTU vice president, Kevin Callinan opened the event alongside IHREC chief commissioner, Sinéad Gibney. Unison general secretary, David Prentis delivered the keynote address, which gave practical insights into how the UK public service union utilises the public sector equality duty in the UK to advance workers’ rights and improve the quality of services, particularly for vulnerable people.

 

To watch the webinar, click here. 

 

For a full list of speakers, click here. 

 

For more information on the public sector equality and human rights duty, click here. 

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

Debenhams strike 300 days old
by Mehak Dugal
 

It’s now over 300 days since 1,000 Debenhams workers took to the picket lines in a bid to win a fair redundancy package. There is still no negotiated settlement in the strike, which began on 3rd February 2020.

 

Mandate, which represents the redundant workers, has twice written to the Taoiseach seeking engagement. No response has been received and the union is now calling for a greater sense of urgency to address the workers’ concerns.

 

The staff want the Government to make a recently-established €3 million training fund available for cash payments, and to legislate to make sure this never happens again.

 

Mandate general secretary Gerry Light said: “We met with the ex-Debenhams members in recent days and to say they are disappointed is an understatement. They deserve better than to be ignored by the Taoiseach, and by the Government.”

 

Mr Light also commended the workers for their courage and determination in both seeking a resolution for themselves and their families, and for their solid commitment to ensuring that no other workers have to go through this again.

 

“The entire trade union movement is deeply proud of their 300-day action and we are firmly behind them.”

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

Lobbying returns published
by Martina O’Leary
 

Fórsa has submitted its latest set of returns to the body responsible for regulating political lobbying activity. Reflecting a busy period in the last quarter of 2020, the union submitted over 30 returns.

 

These reflected the union’s political communications on a wide range of issues including the impact of Covid-19 on aviation, PPE for frontline workers in health, education and aviation, the proposed public service agreement, Sláintecare, climate change, supports to carers, social dialogue and the remunicipalisation of local authority services.

 

Ongoing Fórsa campaigns on school secretaries, housing, the four-day working week and investment in higher education also featured.

 

On the international front, the union made representations on behalf of Palestinian children and the plight of Rohingya refugees.

 

You can get full details of Fórsa’s political lobbying activity HERE. Under the Regulation of Lobbying Act, virtually all lobbying activity undertaken by Fórsa staff must be reported.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

Health workers lead Myanmar fightback
by Mehak Dugal
 

Fórsa and other unions across the globe have expressed support for health workers, whose industrial action has spearheaded civil opposition to the recent military coup in Myanmar, also known as Burma.

 

The military stepped in earlier this month after November 2020 elections overwhelmingly rejected the military-backed party and clearly indicated the people’s desire for an entirely civilian government.

 

Newly elected representatives were arrested on 1st February to prevent the swearing in of a new parliament. Instead, the military declared itself to be the official government in blatant violation of human rights and the rule of law.

 

In response, health workers participated in industrial action in more than 70 hospitals across the country, as tens of thousands of protestors participated in a workers’ and civil society movement to demand restoration of the civilian elected government.

 

The frontline workers, who have worked tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, said that their commitment to save lives of the people “will extend to a commitment to save lives by opposing a military coup.”

 

And they are calling on health workers and representative organisations all around the world for their support in the struggle to uphold democracy.

 

You can also voice your support for the movement through the official hashtag #Workers4Myanmar.

 

Fórsa has applauded a statement of the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM), which strongly opposed the military takeover and called for the release of arrested political leaders and the restoration of the parliament.

 

The global union federation Public Services International (PSI) also pledged its full support and condemned the military coup and subsequent arrests. It called on governments and global institutions to cease funding for the military of Myanmar and recognise the democratically-elected Government.

 

The current protests are the largest in Myanmar in over a decade. There were violent uprisings during a half century of direct army rule, which began to relax in 2011.

 

Elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi won the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize for her democracy campaigns, but more recently attracted widespread international criticism over the plight of the Muslim Rohingya minority. Tens of thousands of Rohingya have fled the country as refugees after facing persecution at the hands of the military.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE. 

Join Fórsa online
 

Workers who wish to join Fórsa can to do so using a new ‘join online’ function on the union’s website.

 

Going live with the new system follows several months of research, preparation and testing aimed at making it easier than ever to join the union. It also goes live as the union continues to process a large number of new membership applications, as interest in joining the union has surged since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis.

 

Fórsa’s general secretary Kevin Callinan commented: “The current crisis has created the necessity to be able to carry out our business in different ways. Work on this project had commenced before the Covid-19 crisis took hold, and its completion marks a vital step as we tackle the challenges of living in changed times.

 

“We can see that more people want to join a union in response to what’s happening in the wider economy. It’s vital that they can take those initial steps quickly and easily, and making the membership application process more accessible is part of that process.

 

“This is a crucial new venture to enable Fórsa to substantially increase our membership - and to strengthen the union’s hand - at a critical time in the union’s development,” he said.

 

The online facility is a streamlined and simplified membership application process, and will be the quickest and easiest way to join the union. All incoming applications will continue to be subject to check-off and approval by Fórsa branches and the national executive committee, while the new online system is designed to ease the administrative burden on branches.

 

You can join Fórsa online at https://join.forsa.ie/

 

Fórsa: Here to support you
 

Fórsa is here to protect you if you have problems arising from the coronavirus or other workplace issues. The best way to contact the union at this time is HERE.

 

We will deal with queries as quickly as we can but, needless to say, the union will prioritise cases where members’ jobs and incomes are at immediate risk – as well as any serious health and safety issues that may arise.

 

Fórsa has cancelled all face-to-face meetings for the time being. The union is redeploying its staff to prioritise engagement with management on proposals arising from the Covid-19 public health crisis, and to provide rapid and efficient responses to members’ queries and concerns.

 

Fórsa's main phone line (01 817 1500) is now open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively members can use the Contact Us page on the Fórsa website to submit queries directly to the relevant division within Fórsa and this remains the most efficient way to access advice directly.

 

Wherever possible, Fórsa staff have been equipped to work remotely. Therefore, members should not attend Fórsa offices at this time. If you have a query or concern, the best way to raise it is to contact the union HERE.