Blended work for third party referral
by Bernard Harbor
 

Fórsa wants to refer a dispute over blended working in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to a facilitator under the civil service conciliation and arbitration scheme, which allows third party referral on disputed issues.

 

The union held several meetings with IHREC management in an effort to change its plan to impose a three-day minimum office attendance each week, with flexi-accrual limited to days of office attendence.

 

Staff representatives had been given an undertaking that there would be further engagement on the draft blended work policy to further tease out concerns. But IHREC management published the policy, which they say will operate from October.

 

Fórsa official Paul Moyer said there was no business case for management’s decision.

 

“The staff panel has voiced concerns during recent meetings with IHREC management as there is no evidence or business case whatsoever to support this 3-day office attendance need within IHREC.

 

“There is a real prospect of the IHREC not becoming an employer of choice, due to it being a less attractive place for staff to work. This may lead to increased outward mobility as staff look to maximise remote working elsewhere,” he said.

 

Fórsa recently conducted a survey of staff there and 94% percent of respondents were not satisfied with the finalised policy. In addition, 96% expressed a preference for a two-day mandatory required office attendance.

 

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