Negotiations on the future of Irish water services resumed in the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) this week, with Fórsa and other unions making representations on Government plans to transfer local authority services to a central national water agency.

The group of unions representing local authority staff developed a comprehensive response to the position that had been tabled by management last November 2021, before heading into these negotiations.

Fórsa has reiterated its opposition to any forced transfer of staff from the local authority sector.

The group has also constructed an alternative water service delivery model, which would ensure that local authorities continue to have a long-term role in the provision of public water and waste water services.

Unions have further sought specific assurances around the terms and conditions of workers who remain in local council employment, and for those who transfer voluntarily to a new agency. Fórsa and other unions also want detailed assurances and commitments on a constitutional referendum, the future of local authorities, and on the governance of the new water entity.

Fórsa and other union representatives previously welcomed Minister Darragh O’Brien’s acceptance of four broad strands sought by the unions, as well as confirmation that there would be ‘no forced transfer’ of staff to a new centralised water service, which would take on current local authority water activities under plans put forward by the Government.

The head of Fórsa’s local government division, Dessie Robinson had also stated that the minister’s acceptance of the four strands now allowed the group of unions to re-engage in intensive negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). 

The minister also expressed the view that the referendum on protecting the public ownership of Irish Water would be held later this year, alongside a referendum on the right to housing.

The parties will meet again soon.