Q: Can probationers join Fórsa?

A: Yes. In fact, probation is arguably the most-precarious time in a civil service worker’s career. The union is seeking to make a number of advances for probationers, including getting the term of probation reduced to 6 months. In order to have the best chance at effecting this change, we need probationers to join. If you are new to the service, join. If you have a new staff member in your area, tell them to join. In recent years, the union has won the right for probationers to appeal the outcome of an unsatisfactory probation. A probationer will need the expertise of the union in managing their way through difficult situations such as this. Probationers not only can join, they absolutely should join.

Q: Can students on placement join Fórsa?

A: Yes. A number of departments allow student placements in the civil service. During their placement, these students are civil service workers. However, there is always a risk that they will be asked to either take on too much work or will be asked to take on work that requires a permanent member of staff to undertake. The more students on placement that join Fórsa, the better protection we will be able to offer that class of worker.

Q: Can contract staff join Fórsa?

A: Yes. Staff employed in the civil service on temporary contracts can join Fórsa. Additionally, Fórsa has the expertise to assist with difficulties arising from multiple contract extensions, difficulties on incremental pay progression for multi-year contracts and advocating for contract civil servants to become fully established workers depending on the circumstances.

Q: Can temporary clerical officers join Fórsa?

A: Temporary clerical officers (TCOs) can and should join Fórsa. Fórsa has the ability to advise TCOs facing difficulties with probation issues, with workload issues, disciplinary matters and, most importantly, with issues related to contracts that are renewed time and time again.

Fórsa represents all general service workers up to and including the grades of higher executive officer (HEO) and administrative officer (AO). We represent professional and technical staff all the way through their promotion hierarchy. We represent staff in these categories that are temporary as well as full time. We are keen to dispel the myth that only established civil servants can be represented by Fórsa. Quite often, it is staff with more precarious contracts that require union support. However, unless they know they can join, they will not be able to seek the support needed.

We therefore ask all members to support new joiners, contract, placement and temporary civil service workers that they are all welcome. In order to continue advocating for their needs, we need them to join. 

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.