The Fórsa website is now live. We’re now entering the third phase of construction, so we still have some pages left to build.
The priority in this phase was to get our news, conference information and divisional identities up and running ahead of conference season, which got underway last week for our Education division.
The site went live on Good Friday, click HERE or on the image above to pay a visit.
Public service union leaders will meet senior officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DEPR) on 27th April to open discussions on remaining pay equity issues for ‘new entrants’.
Public service union leaders will meet senior officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DEPR) on 27th April to open discussions on remaining pay equity issues for ‘new entrants’.
The invitation to ICTU’s Public Services Committee arrived before the problem was aired at education union conferences last week. Speaking at Fórsa’s Education Division conference, deputy general secretary Kevin Callinan called for a speedy resolution to the issue – but warned that clerical officers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and other lower-paid grades must not lose out.
The union will press for pay scales to be shortened as quickly as possible for staff who joined the public service after January 2011. Under discriminatory measures announced by the then-Government in December 2010, it currently takes these new entrants two years longer than their colleagues to reach the top of their pay scales.
ICTU’s Public Services Committee, which represents almost all unions in the sector, secured agreement for new talks last month under a clause in the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA), which allows for an “examination” of the new entrants’ pay issue.
Speaking at Fórsa’s Education Division conference in Dublin, Kevin Callinan said SNAs were proportionately the largest group of new entrants in the public service, as more than a third of them had been hired since the start of 2011.
“There are many ways to define pay equity, and Fórsa is determined that lower-paid staff are not left behind in this debate. SNAs begin work earning less than two-thirds the pay of a classroom colleague hired on the same day. Their pay is linked to the civil and public service clerical officer, and Fórsa represents over 30,000 public servants on similar pay rates or less.
“Pay equity is a priority for all trade unions, but we believe pay policy must also encompass the issue of lower-paid groups like SNAs and civil and public service clerical officers,” he said.
In initial discussions last October, DPER confirmed that 53,000 workers had been hired since lower new entrant scales were imposed in January 2011. Management also acknowledged that unions had opposed the new scales, and had used the first opportunity available – the Haddington Road Agreement – to equalise the maximum points of the scales.
The main outstanding issue is the existence of two additional scale points for staff employed since 2011. That’s why Fórsa wants the length of these scales reduced by two points as quickly as possible.
Fórsa has announced its intention today to establish a professional institute for special needs assistants (SNAs). The institute would set professional standards, support training, and underpin the validation of qualifications in a push to improve provision to children with special needs by further professionalising the SNA role.
Fórsa has announced its intention today to establish a professional institute for special needs assistants (SNAs). The institute would set professional standards, support training, and underpin the validation of qualifications in a push to improve provision to children with special needs by further professionalising the SNA role.
The move comes as a survey of almost 2,700 SNAs revealed that, while most held qualifications significantly above minimum requirements, neither the Department of Education nor individual schools provide them with access to adequate basic or ongoing professional training. Instead, most training in the field is either self-financed or trade union-provided.
The survey results were unveiled last Thursday (5th April) at Fórsa’s Education Division conference in Dublin, which was addressed by Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton.
The Fórsa survey found that 97% of SNAs hold qualifications beyond the required FETAC level three, three junior cert grade Ds, or equivalent. A majority hold either FETAC level five (30%) or level six (27%). 11% have attained an ordinary degree and 10% an honours degree, while another 10% have a leaving cert.
Fórsa deputy general secretary Kevin Callinan said the survey demonstrated that children with special educational needs benefit from a highly-qualified SNA cadre. But he criticised the dearth of continuous professional development in the service.
“These results scotch the view of some – including many parents – that SNAs are poorly qualified. They also bolster the case for more systematic professionalisation of the role, and for better access to relevant continuous professional development. Neither schools nor the education department are doing anything to achieve this. That’s why Fórsa is working towards the establishment of an SNA’s professional institute, which would function in a similar way to other professional bodes in education, health and elsewhere,” he said.
Fórsa organiser Grace Williams, who conducted the survey, said the results underlined the need for both the education department and individual schools to up their game on professional development, to ensure the best outcomes for children.
“Special needs education is a precarious occupation. But the levels of experience revealed in the research are impressive, with over 60% of respondents having worked as an SNA for more than a decade. In all that time, very few will have had access to any officially-provided training or professional development. Most are either self-educated, or they access professional training provided by Fórsa. It’s neither possible nor appropriate for the union to provide all the necessary training. Parents expect and deserve to get official support to ensure their children get the best possible school experience,” she said.
Grace said the absence of employer-provided training flew in the face of a 2011 Education Department review of the service and a more recent Joint Oireachtas Committee report, both of which recommended ongoing professional training. The 2016 Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection report into the role of SNAs called for “mandatory, standardised training” and the establishment of minimum standards to support “further professionalisation of the role.”
Watch our video report on last week's conference below.
The call that never came Falling foul of the education department’s habit of publishing school SNA allocations too late. by Bernard Harbor and Hazel Gavigan
“It’s a terrible feeling. In June you’re told ‘see you in September. I’ll give you a ring when your job comes through.’ But the call doesn’t come, and you’ve no job.”
Special needs assistant Patricia Fanning from Fórsa’s SNA North Dublin and North Leinster branch is just one of hundreds of SNAs who’ve fallen foul of the education department’s habit of publishing school SNA allocations too late.
“It’s a terrible feeling. In June you’re told ‘see you in September. I’ll give you a ring when your job comes through.’ But the call doesn’t come, and you’ve no job.”
Special needs assistant Patricia Fanning from Fórsa’s SNA North Dublin and North Leinster branch is just one of hundreds of SNAs who’ve fallen foul of the education department’s habit of publishing school SNA allocations too late.
Although the total number of SNA posts has risen significantly in recent years – from under 10,400 in 2008 to over 14,000 in 2017 – the number allocated to individual schools rises and falls in line with local needs assessments. When the allocations come late, SNAs are left wondering if they have a job come the new school year.
Fórsa efforts led to the establishment of a panel system, so that those who lose their place in a particular school can apply for other vacancies. But its effectiveness has been limited by the tardy allocations.
“When the allocations are late you can’t access the panel because you have no documentation from your school. You didn’t know you were going to need it when the year ended,” says Patricia. “Then on the 1st of September you’re unemployed. It’s an awful feeling. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody,” she adds.
Her colleague Claire Keaveney, who chairs the Fórsa branch, says Patricia’s case is far from isolated. For the past four years, SNA allocations have been published in July, which meant that hundreds of SNAs finished the school year without knowing if they would have a job the following September.
“It’s not unusual at all. I have people coming to me in June totally panicked because they don’t know what the story is for September. It has an impact on their mortgage payments, car loans and other bills. Younger SNAs have a huge issue trying to get mortgages because their contracts aren’t definite. It’s a major problem that needs to be addressed,” she says.
Following a 97% vote in favour of industrial action last year, education minister Richard Bruton pledged that the figures would be made known much earlier in 2018 and future years.
Both women were speaking at last week’s Fórsa Education Division conference, where union deputy general secretary Kevin Callinan said the education department must publish its 2018-2019 allocations by May at the latest.
Kevin welcomed the minister’s role in securing the overall 2018-2019 allocation in last year’s budget estimates as an essential first step to resolving a problem that had plagued SNAs, schools and parents for half a decade.
“But the proof of the pudding is in the eating. I expect to see the allocations published as early as possible, and by May at the latest. We will not tolerate a situation where dedicated and low-paid SNAs finish the school year without knowing if their job and income is safe – and without the time to do anything about it if their post is gone,” he said.
A new Department of Education and Skills circular has been introduced to temporarily address the anomaly caused by the gap between mandatory retirement age at 65 and payment of the state pension at 66.
In recent years, the government announced a series of increases to the age at which a person can receive the state contributory pension.
Currently, this pension is payable for people from the age of 66.
However, there are many public servants that must contractually retire at the age of 65.
This poses a problem in cases where their retirement pension includes part of the state pension.
The government is to introduce legislation to address this anomaly.
However, until the legislation is introduced, a circular has been introduced to cater for anyone who is planning to retire in the near future.
This circular will be of interest to school staff who reach the age of 65 in the near future and who:
Were recruited between 1st April 2004 and 31st December 2012 AND
Who have a pension scheme that explicitly states that they MUST retire at 65.
The circular does not affect any other category of school staff.
The circular outlines a scheme for allowing staff who wish to avail of it the option of continuing in employment until they reach the new state retirement age of 66.
The critical illness protocol (CIP), which governs public service arrangements for those on long-term sick leave, has been improved to allow more managerial discretion about what constitutes a ‘critical illness’ in cases where the precise medical criteria are not met.
The critical illness protocol (CIP), which governs public service arrangements for those on long-term sick leave, has been improved to allow more managerial discretion about what constitutes a ‘critical illness’ in cases where the precise medical criteria are not met.
New ‘CIP managerial discretion guidelines,’ negotiated with Fórsa and other unions, make it clear that managers have the flexibility to accept illnesses as ‘critical’ even if they have not quite met the threshold on the basis of medical certification.
An appeals mechanism against unfavourable management decisions, with access to third party adjudication, has also been agreed.
The CIP arrangements for the ‘protective year’ have also been improved. The ‘protective year’ allows staff who return to work following a critical illness to avail of remaining CIP leave for subsequent non-critical illnesses or injuries within one year of their first date of absence.
This protective year period will now begin on the date of return, which means more support for those returning from a serious illness who then suffer a routine health problem in the following 12 months.
The changes, which are effective from 31st March 2018, are now rolling out in the civil service and will then extend to other parts of the public service, including non-commercial semi-state organisations.
Fórsa is still in discussions about the calculation of certain types of sick leave in the one year/four year look back periods, and on the application of temporary rehabilitation remuneration (TRR). Union officials think these issues are likely to be referred to the Labour Court, due to the absence of agreement.
The CIP provisions of the sick leave scheme retain the original six months on full pay and six months on half pay arrangements.
Dust down that Lycra and dig out the bicycle clips. Because now’s the time to sign up for the Fórsa conference cycle and help raise much-needed funds for charity.
Dust down that Lycra and dig out the bicycle clips. Because now’s the time to sign up for the Fórsa conference cycle and help raise much-needed funds for charity.
The initiative has been organised by Fórsa head of health Éamonn Donnelly and assistant general secretary Dessie Robinson – both formerly of IMPACT – for the last ten years. In that time it’s raised €130,000 for small charities based in communities throughout the country.
It involves conference delegates and their supporters cycling some or all of the route between Limerick and the Fórsa national conference in Killarney next month.
Éamonn says it’s a fun event. “It’s about having a great time while raising money for smaller local charities that don’t have large budgets to back the important work they do. In the past we’ve helped organisations supporting mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer support,” he said.
Among the charities the bike-ride will raise money for SOS (suicide or survive), the Dublin-based provider of supports to struggling young people. It will also support charities in Limerick and Kerry – the start and end of the effort.
Reassuringly, Dessie says you don’t need to be Tour de France ready to take part. “We want to encourage as many members and branches of the union to take part, whether that means cycling 10km, 20km or even one km, the main thing is to get involved,” he says.
Éamonn appealed for branches to get behind members representing them, and help them to raise money and prepare for the event itself. “We are hoping to have representatives from as many branches and divisions as possible and I want to encourage anyone considering taking part to get involved in the event. It’s a great day and it’s fantastic to be able to raise money for these wonderful charities.”
If you want more information – or if you’re ready to get involved – contact Éamonn or Dessie.
Last Saturday’s housing rally saw a very strong Fórsa presence as community organisations, homeless services organisations and trade unions took part in the the National Homeless and Housing Coalition’s rally in Dublin.
Last Saturday’s housing rally saw a very strong Fórsa presence as community organisations, homeless services organisations and trade unions took part in the the National Homeless and Housing Coalition’s #April7th rally.
Up to 10,000 people are reported to have taken part in Saturday’s rally. Participants marched from the Garden of Remembrance to Custom House Quay.
Kevin Callinan, Forsa’s deputy general secretary and vice president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, addressed the rally. He described the latest homelessness figures as a “shame and a blight on our society.” February’s figures show almost 10,000 individuals are homeless, of whom 3,755 are children.
Kevin added, “Where stands the Republic if they can’t vindicate this basic right. What is liberty without social solidarity and equality? We need a national policy once and for all to make the country’s national resources work for the people.”
He said trade unions are to mobilise to press for the building of 10,000 public homes every year for the next five years.
Colours
Fórsa lead organiser Joe O’Connor estimated there were about 150 Fórsa supporters taking part in the rally.
“We had fantastic support from Fórsa members who travelled from all over the country to attend the rally. From Cork, Kerry, Galway and Donegal, and all points in between, and with our Fórsa colours making their first appearance at a rally of this kind.
“We had an important message to deliver to our Government last Saturday. We are witnesses to the worst housing crisis this country has seen in a century.
“Future generations may look back and wonder why it took so long for Irish society to demand action. We must ensure they don’t suffer the consequences of failing to act. We need to reverse the continuing rise in homelessness we are currently witnessing,” he said.
Fórsa organiser Dave Sexton talks to Youthreach students in Ballinrobe, County Mayo.
I met a group of teenagers from Youthreach, Ballinrobe this week to talk about the role of trade unions in the workplace. Youthreach aims to enable students to develop core skills needed for further learning, and to prepare them for further education, training or employment.
Class teacher Pat Collum explained to me that the students attending Youthreach may have left school early without any qualifications. The main aim is to provide students with an opportunity to develop new skills. Pat explained to me that it’s vitally important that the students are aware of what will face them when they move into the workforce, knowing the role trade unions provide is just one of them.
One of the requirements during the training is to take part in work experience, and to learn about trade union activities. I also talked to the students about how employment contracts work, so that they can inform themselves of their employment rights and ensure that they are being treated fairly.
We talked about why becoming a member of a trade union is important, how we can provide better working conditions through negotiations, that there is strength in numbers and support for workers when they need it.
We’ll be talking to more Youthreach participants again in the future.
Photo:Dave Sexton (second from right) with class teacher Pat Collum and the Youthreach students in Ballinrobe.
We take a look at last week's education division conference as well as the main stories in the current edition of the news bulletin. Presented by Hazel Gavigan and Niall Shanahan.
The recent publication of Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission research into public attitudes towards immigration and immigrants from different ethnic backgrounds has highlighted the extent to which the Government has ignored the need to build and foster an inclusive society.
The research shows how attitudes towards immigrants changed once the recession commenced. According to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ERSI), which carried out the research, public perceptions of immigration and immigrants were largely positive from 2002 to 2006.
This changed from 2008 onwards with perceptions being very negative in 2010 and then improving slowly as the economy recovered. This finding demonstrates a correlation between attitudes towards immigration and the state of the economy.
As the Irish economy continues to grow and with employment levels rising, attitudes to immigration appear to be more positive. But we should be deeply concerned that the research highlights differing attitudes towards immigration from specific racial and ethnic groups.
Almost 60% of Irish-born people reported they would allow many or some immigrants from members of the same ethnic group as most Irish people to come to Ireland. But the equivalent figures for Muslim and Roma migrants were 41% per cent and 25% respectively.
“The international literature suggests there is a greater perception of cultural threat around Muslim immigration than to immigrants of the same ethnic group. Resistance to Roma migration reflects a widespread prejudice against this group across Europe. Support for Muslim and Roma immigration is lower in Ireland than the average for the ten Western European countries presented,” it says.
In terms of beliefs about race and ethnicity, just under half of adults born in Ireland believe some cultures to be superior to others, while 45% say that some races and ethnic groups are born harder working. A much lower proportion, 17%, believe that some races or ethnic groups were born less intelligent.
The recent publication of Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission research into public attitudes towards immigration and immigrants from different ethnic backgrounds has highlighted the extent to which the Government has ignored the need to build and foster an inclusive society.
The research shows how attitudes towards immigrants changed once the recession commenced. According to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ERSI), which carried out the research, public perceptions of immigration and immigrants were largely positive from 2002 to 2006.
This changed from 2008 onwards with perceptions being very negative in 2010 and then improving slowly as the economy recovered. This finding demonstrates a correlation between attitudes towards immigration and the state of the economy.
As the Irish economy continues to grow and with employment levels rising, attitudes to immigration appear to be more positive. But we should be deeply concerned that the research highlights differing attitudes towards immigration from specific racial and ethnic groups.
Almost 60% of Irish-born people reported they would allow many or some immigrants from members of the same ethnic group as most Irish people to come to Ireland. But the equivalent figures for Muslim and Roma migrants were 41% per cent and 25% respectively.
“The international literature suggests there is a greater perception of cultural threat around Muslim immigration than to immigrants of the same ethnic group. Resistance to Roma migration reflects a widespread prejudice against this group across Europe. Support for Muslim and Roma immigration is lower in Ireland than the average for the ten Western European countries presented,” it says.
In terms of beliefs about race and ethnicity, just under half of adults born in Ireland believe some cultures to be superior to others, while 45% say that some races and ethnic groups are born harder working. A much lower proportion, 17%, believe that some races or ethnic groups were born less intelligent.
These findings highlight the need to intensify efforts to create an inclusive and integrated society where such racial and ethnic stereotyping can be successfully challenged.
Government policy on asylum enacted through the State Reception and Integration Agency on issues such as direct provision only re-enforce these negative stereotypes, with migrants being located in remote rural areas without proper access to education or employment.
The public perception of migrant asylum seekers is, without doubt, shaped by the restrictions placed on their ability to work and contribute to society.
Recent changes on foot of a Supreme Court ruling have only compounded the problem. In February, asylum seekers were finally given the right to seek employment. But they have to apply for an employment permit from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation under the Employment Permits Act 2003.
The Irish Times recently reported that the scheme also requires them to pay between €500 to €1,000 for a six- to 12-month employment permit. Asylum seekers living in direct provision currently have a weekly allowance of €21.60 and can buy food using a recently introduced points system.
Applicants must find a job that pays a starting salary of at least €30,000 per annum, while their prospective employer must show they were unable to find a suitable Irish or EU citizen to fill the position. Asylum seekers will also be unable to apply for a job in more than 60 different areas including positions in hospitality, healthcare, social work, childcare, general care services, marketing, sales, administration, textiles, printing, housekeeping, food and construction.
Such provisions continue the effective bar on any asylum seeker being able to play a full role in society and the economy. Whilst an asylum seeker is now legally allowed to work, the Government conditions imposed effectively exclude the vast majority. This, in turn, reinforces the stereotypical view of Muslim asylum seekers allegedly sponging from the State.
The IHREC research makes clear that there is now a real need to challenge such attitudes, and to ensure that much more is done to highlight the significant contribution made by immigrants, including Muslims, to Irish society.
One easy step the Government could take would be to enable those asylum seekers in direct provision to access the labour market without restrictions, and to provide them with the same statutory employment protections as enjoyed by other workers.
Whilst the Irish Government seeks to defend the principle of free movement of people within the EU there is much more that should be done to emphasise the economic benefits of migration regardless of ethnic origin.
Andy Pike is head of division for Fórsa's Civil Service division.
I met a group of teenagers from Youthreach, Ballinrobe this week to talk about the role of trade unions in the workplace. Youthreach aims to enable students to develop core skills needed for further learning, and to prepare them for further education, training or employment.