Fórsa’s public sector pay ballot is producing a flurry of activity amongst union members in Kildare. An information session in Naas general hospital saw activists from the Kildare Health Branch meet members and answer questions on the proposed pay increases.

Meetings are providing an opportunity for branches to engage members on the ground and there is clear enthusiasm for activism at grassroots level. Local Fórsa workplace representative Sharon O’Brien said members knew about the ballot, but the meeting provided an opportunity to update them on the finer detail.

“Many didn’t know about the Government commitment to supplement the pay increases with further supports in the budget. We were able to explain how the proposals benefit lower paid workers more and follow up any issues they were having with emails and the voting process,” she said.

As well as the ballot, the importance of building union strength was also emphasised. Fórsa is organising on the ground in the hospital and members are coming forward to get involved. Branch member Keivan Jackson said the union’s main message was to urge members to use their vote.

“We were also able to let members know that we are organising on the ground in the hospital. We will be here regularly over the coming months to support our local reps. We want to hear from our members about local issues so we can help raise their voice,” he said.

Sharon agreed. “The ballot has been a good opportunity to speak to members about pay and the cost-of-living crisis, but also a range of other issues. The response from members has been very positive. We have meetings with management coming up and are looking forward to raising local issues through that engagement,” she said.