After a year bursting with activity, Fórsa Youth are capping things off with their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, 17 October, at Fórsa HQ, Nerney’s Court, Dublin. The event will see members gather to review the year’s achievements, debate motions, and elect the next executive committee. 

At the heart of everything Fórsa Youth does lies the Fórsa Youth Charter - a document that defines its purpose and passion. The Charter commits young trade unionists to fight for fairness, equality, and social justice in their workplaces and communities.  

It champions pay equality, living wages, housing rights, mental health, and inclusion, while urging members to challenge discrimination and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with workers everywhere.

Reflecting on the group’s success, Fórsa Youth chair, Hugh McInerney, said: “I couldn’t be happier with how the year went and that’s all down to the wonderful exec committee and our youth reps, along with the consistent support from HQ.” 

In March, Fórsa Youth hosted a quiz night in aid of Stop the Wall, a Palestinian trade union recommended campaign supporting communities affected by the West Bank Apartheid Wall and the misery imposed on workers forced to cross the barrier daily under a restrictive visa system. 

Fórsa Youth was also front and centre at the 2025 education conference, where secretary Rachel took the podium to speak on vital motions around youth engagement and union density. She also called on the Department of Education to offer vaccines to Special Needs Assistants (SNA), ensuring health and safety remains a union priority. 

In May, members hit the streets to celebrate Mayday, the International Day of the Worker, meeting at Big Romance in Dublin before joining the march and rally from the Garden of Remembrance. It was a lively show of solidarity and a reminder that young trade unionists remain at the heart of Ireland’s workers’ movement. 

Then came the headline event of the year - the inaugural Fórsa Youth Conference in Trinity College Dublin last September. The conference featured panels and discussions on housing, the cost of living, and workers’ rights, sparking new energy among attendees and setting the tone for the future. 

Participants in the conference included trade unionists, academics, journalists, activists, and politicians, including presidential hopeful Catherine Connolly T.D., as well as the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid. 

"We are very grateful to all those who joined us and participated across the day. Not only was the conference fascinating and informative, but it was also a great opportunity for Fórsa Youth reps to mingle with each other and build relationships with members of other trade unions and organisations" said Fórsa Youth communications officer Bridget Moylan. 

"Going forward, we hope to increase union density among young workers, and we are looking to ensure that every branch has a Fórsa Youth rep."  

With the AGM around the corner, members will reflect on that success, debate motions, and elect the next executive.  

Speaking ahead of the AGM, Hugh said: "In a year that ranged from walking tours to quizzes and mortgage info sessions to research discussions, we were delighted to see our presence and active membership grow substantially. Building on the success of the first ever Fórsa Youth conference at the beginning of September, we hope as many of our younger members as possible get involved to make their voice heard!” 

The day begins with tea and coffee at 10am, with the meeting starting at 10:30am. Lunch will be provided for those registered, and for anyone who can’t attend in person, the meeting will also be streamed online. Register to attend here. 

For details on submitting motions or nominations, members should check their emails or contact youthcommittee@forsa.ie