Fórsa has put its weight behind a campaign for a reduction in working time for employees in all sectors of the economy.

A new Government water policy statement has given some reassurance to staff working in the sector by saying that service level agreements (SLAs) between local authorities and Irish Water will remain in place until an alternative is agreed. Fórsa is currently in talks with employers on the issue.

Fórsa fears that legislation compelling employers to reveal details of their organisation’s gender pay gap is unlikely to be passed if the Government insists on publishing its own Bill, rather than amending an opposition Bill that is proceeding through the Oireachtas.

Fórsa deputy general secretary Kevin Callinan told conference delegates in Killarney last week that the political system has failed to display a real sense of urgency when it comes addressing the needs of people experiencing or living under the threat of homelessness.

Fórsa’s Roscommon branch got a sustained standing ovation at last week’s national conference for its fight against council management’s effective ban on flexitime in the county.

Fórsa has pledged to seek the introduction of job evaluation schemes in all relevant employments in the public service and elsewhere.

This special episode covers the events of Fórsa's inaugural National Conference, including the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins' speech. Presented by Hazel Gavigan.