Fórsa has called on its members to attend the Rally for Unity and Hope in Dublin on Saturday, 23rd November. The event, organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), will take place at the Larkin Statue on O’Connell Street, with the aim of countering division and hate within Irish society in the run up to the election. 
 
“I am asking those in the trade union movement to ensure we have a strong presence of activists from unions across our movement at this rally, to show that all unions stand together in solidarity. Together, let us demonstrate that compassion and unity are stronger than division and hatred. Join us as we rally for a future of inclusion, strength, and unwavering unity," said Owen Reidy, ICTU general secretary ahead of the rally. 
 
Kevin Callinan, general secretary of Fórsa, emphasised the union’s commitment to inclusivity. "Our union has always fought for equality in public services and across society. Every day our members work for the good of all people in our country, whether they’re on the front line of community health services, working in schools, offices, libraries, cleaning our cities, and everywhere else our union is active.” 
 
Fórsa members in libraries have faced harassment, threats, and even forced closures due to protests, with incidents like book burnings and personal attacks on staff. Earlier this week, research published from UCD’s School of Information & Communication Studies revealed widespread fears for safety, particularly in rural libraries, where staff are sometimes alone.  
 
“Why now people are asking – well the demonstration is taking place a year to the day from the riots which left Dublin covered in broken glass and scarred with flames.  It was our members in the Municipal Employees’ Division who had to clean that up and it’s our people in the libraries that are so often viciously targeted by these attention seeking hate peddlers.  This is no longer just internet ugliness and trolls, it’s affecting our workplaces - so let’s show these members we have their back,” implored Kevin.  
 
Callinan further stressed Fórsa’s rejection of any divisive influences in workplaces or communities. "Fórsa members have been increasingly affected by groups seeking to sow division and hate in our workplaces and communities. We know that there are people who want to blame the challenges in our society on people who are different, when instead better public services and improved pay and conditions at work would make our country a fairer place for everyone.” 
 
Members planning to attend are invited to gather at the union’s headquarters at Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1, from 12:15 pm, where refreshments will be available. The group will depart at 12:45 pm to walk together to the main rally location. While registration is not required, members are encouraged to RSVP to assist with planning. Fórsa also urges members to help amplify the rally’s message by sharing details on social media.  
 
“Let’s make sure we show that Fórsa members stand united for public services: provided by all, to the benefit of all,” Callinan added. 

You don’t have to register to join us, but it would be helpful to have an idea of numbers so if you’re planning to come you can let us know here.

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