An agreement was reached between Early Years Specialists working in Pobal and management in December. A ballot of members has now opened, with the branch recommending acceptance. 

Fórsa’s Early Years Specialist members in Pobal are voting on an agreement reached in a long-running dispute over recognising the specialist nature of their work. The ballot opened on Wednesday 14th January and will run until Wednesday 21st January. 

The agreement was reached just before Christmas following negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Members had been engaging in work-to-rule action since September.  

The agreement contains proposals aimed at addressing the issues faced by members. Proposed enhancements include an extra day of annual leave per annum, payment of outstanding pay rises due last year to be made and backdated, increased time off in lieu (TOIL) for work outside of hours and a number of other elements.  

A key demand for members was proper recognition of the specialist nature of early years specialists’ work. The agreement stipulates that a job evaluation exercise for Early Years Specialists in Pobal will be completed as soon as possible, which the union is confident will meet members’ demands.  

Welcoming the agreement, assistant general secretary David Field said: “Negotiating this agreement has taken a good deal of work and resolve from members. Without their commitment to seeking better terms and conditions, we wouldn’t have arrived at this point.” 

He explained that the agreement includes a framework for improved industrial relations in Pobal with bi-monthly meetings to be chaired by an independent mediator. David said: “This new process should enhance communication and engagement between union representatives and management, which in turn will ensure the agreement we have reached is honoured.” 

Paula Gavin from the branch said: “Throughout this dispute we were seeking fair pay, and recognition for the specialised work we do. In recent years our work increased in complexity and expanded in scope, and while we were considered to be providing ‘expert educational advice and support’ that wasn’t recognised formally.” 

“Now, this agreement outlines a path to proper recognition and addresses a number of key issues we sought to address. We’re urging members to have your say by voting in the ballot.” 

Members who are eligible to vote should have received a unique voter code (UVC) and a link at which you can vote in this online ballot. If you have not received your UVC please contact servicesandenetrprisesinfo@forsa.ie.  

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