A date has been confirmed for an engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), following recent union efforts to recommence the adjourned WRC negotiations on pay in health service employments in the community and voluntary sector.

Health unions met with HSE management yesterday (Thursday) for discussions on proposed changes to work patterns in health settings. Following the discussions the parties confirmed that the Framework Agreement remains in place and no unilateral roster changes would be imposed.

At a meeting on Monday 17th February the HSE confirmed that the next phase would be a six-month ‘implementation period’. However, as the union underlined and the HSE confirmed, there is nothing agreed to implement yet and therefore discussions will continue over the months ahead.

Members working in children’s disability services have been issued guidance that advises members not to participate in any meetings, either in-person or online, any surveys, emails or other activities, that relate to a review being conducted by the National Disability Authority on the children’s disability network teams service model.

Barnardos is refusing to pay workers what they’re owed—and won’t even come to the table. A nationally agreed pay increase is being withheld, and management is ignoring the union. 

Fórsa has written to Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Minister for Health, and Norma Foley TD Minster for Children, Disability, and Equality to welcome them to their new posts and seek high level meetings to discuss outstanding disputes and commitments. 

Fórsa’s newly established LGBTQIA+ network was born from an overwhelming vote at the union’s 2024 conference. The network is already making an impact—amplifying voices, confronting discrimination, and aiming to ensure LGBTQIA+ members have support in the union.

Fórsa members share their thoughts on remote work, highlighting its benefits for the environment, reduced commutes, caregiving support, and key advantages for workers with disabilities. 

As the invasion of Ukraine enters its third bloody year, a group of activists—who have maintained a daily peaceful protest outside the Russian Embassy in Dublin—will gather once more to mark this somber anniversary on Monday, 24th February. 

Coming up this month ICTU’s anti-racism project is offering training free of charge for trade union members, which will cover migrant worker leadership, how trade unions and civil society can work together to combat racism, and a focus on training the trainers.