Articles A
Row over Covid recognition set for Labour Court
by Mehak Dugal
 

Fórsa and other health unions are working to win recognition for the effort and commitment shown by health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of their ‘Respect = Recognition’ campaign.


Fórsa and other health unions are working to win recognition for the effort and commitment shown by health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of their ‘Respect = Recognition’ campaign.

 

And the union is asking members to support the campaign by completing this short survey, which will help strengthen the case it’s putting to the Government and Labour Court. 

 

In the meantime, the unions have referred the row to the Labour Court, which is expected to bring the parties together in mid-September. This comes after HSE representatives failed to table an offer at a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearing in early August. They said they had no mandate from the Government.

 

This was despite comments by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly the week before in Limerick, where he said that he “definitely want[s] to see some form of recognition for the extraordinary work that they've all put in.”

 

Engagements with the HSE since last November have resulted in no progress despite public statements from An Taoiseach, and other senior Government figures, in which they supported proposals to recognise health workers’ extraordinary contribution during the pandemic.

 

The group of unions have since also asked Micheál Martin to step in to help resolve the row. In a letter dated 13th August, they called on the Taoiseach to “intervene immediately to authorise the HSE and relevant Government departments to engage with health service unions to agree and implement the promised recognition without any further delay.”

 

Speaking to RTÉs Radio One, the head of Fórsa’s Health and Welfare division, Éamonn Donnelly, said the campaign was a call for recognition for health workers for what they have given “and the extraordinary demands placed on them by a national health emergency and a global health pandemic.” 

 

“The vaccination rollout success hasn’t happened by accident,” he said.

 

Éamonn called on the HSE and relevant Government departments to engage with health service unions to agree and implement the promised recognition without any further delay.

 

The group of unions have said they want employer representatives to come to the table and have a “real discussion” about a range of options consistent with the messaging from Government.

 

Tony Fitzpatrick, who chairs the ‘Staff Panel’ of health service unions, has described the current impasse as “deeply damaging” to the morale of all health care workers.

 

Health workers in Northern Ireland, France, Denmark and elsewhere have been offered some form of tangible recognition for their work during the pandemic crisis.

 

The national staff panel of health care workers unions represents members of the INMO, SIPTU, Fórsa, IMO, MLSA, UNITE, CONNECT, and the craft group of unions.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

€12 billion needed for community health services
by Mehak Dugal
 

New data from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) estimates that an €11.8 billion funding boost will be required in the primary, community and long-term health services over the coming decade.


New data from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) estimates that an €11.8 billion funding boost will be required in the primary, community and long-term health services over the coming decade.

 

In a new report, the think tank ESRI says an increase of between €4.4 billion and almost €12 billion will be required to fund community and long-term health services over the next 14 years.

 

A number of factors contribute to the projected increases such as population change and ageing. But much of the required investment is attributed to pay-related costs. The ESRI found that the cost of delivering care, particularly pay-related costs, was the main driver of expenditure growth for health and social care services.

 

The research analysed four services where it estimates the largest cost increases will be in the future such as public and private GP services and public health nursing and community care, high tech-medicines dispensed in the community, long-term residential care and home support services.

 

Despite primary and community care being at the centre of health and social care in Ireland, the report found that the smallest projected increases in expenditure were seen for general practice, PHN and community therapy services.

 

It reflects previous research that shows Ireland’s apparent high healthcare expenditure in an international context is likely more related to the high price of healthcare delivery in Ireland rather than the volume of care delivered.

 

The research states the expenditure on most primary care, community care and long-term care services examined are projected to grow substantially by 2035. The projected growth is particularly evident in community pharmaceuticals and long-term care.

 

It also finds expenditure growth in high-tech medicines and long-term residential care will far exceed that of general practice and home support in the medium term.

 

Among its recommendations, the ESRI calls for the prioritisation of the development of a health data infrastructure that caters for the requirements of both local and national-level service planners.

 

It also suggests the integration of an individual health identifier (IHI) and electronic health record (EHR) would allow for patients to be followed across services and time. This would better help understand the complexity of the patients being treated across a range of services.

 

Among the services considered, the largest increases in expenditure are projected to be for high-tech medicines dispensed in the community, long-term residential care and home support services.

 

The head of Fórsa’s Health and Welfare Division, Éamonn Donnelly, said that the report supports the union’s view that massive investment in primary and community healthcare is needed over the next few years.

 

“It also provides a timely warning on the pressure points that will be soon be seen in the healthcare system which should be prioritised in the next few years,” he said.

 

Projections in the report clearly back the benefits of researching ways to reduce the trajectory of cost growth in the health service.

 

“Addressing the projected increases in the unit cost of care delivery should be an essential element of any future policy decisions if there is to be any scope for affordable healthcare in the long-run,” said Éamonn.

 

The results are outlined in the report ‘Projections of Expenditure for Primary, Community and Long-Term Care in Ireland, 2019-2035,’ which you can read HERE:

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Return to workplace must be safe
by Bernard Harbor
 

The Tánaiste has pledged that official coronavirus workplace safety guidelines will be updated in consultation with unions and employer representatives. 


The Tánaiste has pledged that official coronavirus workplace safety guidelines will be updated in consultation with unions and employer representatives. He was speaking to reporters after the Cabinet signed off on a comprehensive unwinding of Covid-19 restrictions, including a phased return to workplaces from 20th September.

 

Mr Varadkar also said he expected people to embrace ‘blended working,’ or a mix of remote work and workplace attendance.

 

Fórsa had earlier called for assurances that the phased return to workplaces would be safe. The union called on the Government and employer representatives to maintain consultation about a safe return to workplaces based on the health and safety measures set out in an agreed ‘Return to Work Safely Protocol.’

 

Earlier in the summer, the union held initial discussions with senior public service management on return-to-work arrangements. Engagements on a range of issues – including phasing and continued blended working – is now expected to intensify across all sectors.

 

The return-to-work safety protocol was agreed last summer under the auspices of the Labour-Employer Economic Forum (LEEF), the State’s most important forum for social dialogue on employment and labour market issues. It is made up of senior representatives of Government, workers and employers.

 

Subsequent revisions to the document have also been agreed with unions.

 

A Fórsa spokesperson said the protocol had worked well, and should continue to ensure that all working environments are safe and compliant with measures necessary to contain the virus and keep workers and others safe.

 

“The protocol’s requirement that employers consult with worker representatives will continue to be an important safeguard as individual employments plan a phased and safe return to the workplace,” they said.

 

The call was underlined by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), whose general secretary Patricia King said the top priority must be to ensure that workers are able to return to their workplace safely.

 

“Measures include adequate ventilation systems and access to fresh air to reduce risk where workers may be in close contact for long periods of time and working in poorly ventilated areas. The use of flexible and staggered work arrangements, including blended work models, will also be critical in ensuring compliance with health and safety measures,” she said.

 

Last week, King wrote to Taoiseach Micheál Martin on a range of Covid-related health and safety issues in the workplace and on public transport. She also reiterated the union view that full PUP payments should continue for workers in employments that are not yet fully operational because of ongoing public health restrictions.

 

Read the new official guidelines, called ‘'Reframing the challenge, continuing our recovery and reconnecting,’ HERE

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Time to build on pandemic remote work gains
by Bernard Harbor
 

The proposed phased return to workplaces should build on the positive pandemic experience of remote or ‘blended’ working, according to Fórsa.


The proposed phased return to workplaces should build on the positive pandemic experience of remote or ‘blended’ working, according to Fórsa.

 

The union this week said remote working had largely sustained or increased productivity throughout the pandemic, while bringing wider benefits to employers, workers and society.

 

The union’s call came after Tuesday’s (31st August) Cabinet sign-off on a comprehensive unwinding of Covid-19 restrictions, including a phased return to workplaces from 20th September. Speaking to reporters after the launch, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he expected people to embrace ‘blended working’ – a mix of remote work and workplace attendance.

 

In a statement Fórsa said the benefits of remote or ‘blended’ working should not be abandoned. It confirmed that there had been some early engagement between the union and civil service management on the implementation of the Government’s ‘Blended Working Policy Statement,’ published in July.

 

The statement says the civil service will switch from pandemic-related remote working provisions to long-term ‘blended working’ arrangements between September 2021 and March 2022.

 

The current management-union engagement is aimed at agreeing a framework capable of being rolled-out across the public service, rather than being confined to central Government departments and agencies.

 

A Fórsa spokesperson said the public service should show a lead on remote working, which can bring significant benefits to staff, employers and society while sustaining service quality and productivity.

 

“We want to see a consistent approach across the civil and public service, with transparency and fairness over access to remote working. We are also seeking adequate protections on working conditions, privacy and data protection, a right to disconnect, and health and safety including mental health,” they said.

 

The Government’s Remote Working Strategy, published in January 2021, includes a pledge to establish a legal right to request remote working, introduce a legally admissible code of practice on the right to disconnect, review the treatment of remote working for tax purposes, and make remote working the norm for 20% of public sector staff.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Budget should put services above tax cuts
by Niall Shanahan
 

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has published its pre-Budget submission called No Going Back: For A Fairer Future.


The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has published its pre-Budget submission called No Going Back: For A Fairer Future.

 

The submission contains a comprehensive set of budgetary recommendations designed to address the challenges facing the Irish economy as it continues re-opening following the Coivd-19 pandemic.

 

The document identifies the current inadequacy of Ireland’s comparatively low level of public spending. It says per capita public spending in Ireland is around €2,000 less than the average for other high-income EU countries.

 

And it warns that this has significant negative implications for the provision of public services and infrastructure, including crisis points like housing, health, early years care, higher education and public transport.

 

The submission calls for reform to employer PRSI, with a commitment to gradually increase the ‘social wage’ to workers in the form of improved social insurance benefits. And it says public spending increases should be prioritised in Budget 2022 and beyond.

 

Congress warns that the current high level of state revenue is being distorted upwards due to extremely high receipts that are currently being yielded from corporation taxes. It says this is unlikely to be sustainable, due to “increasing international pressure for greater tax justice and for a fundamental reform of the taxation of multinationals.”

 

The submission also calls on the Government to increase taxes on capital stocks, which “would have almost no employment impact,” and says plans to cut taxes over the next four years should be abandoned.

 

“There should be no going back to the old low tax and low spend model,” it says.

 

On health service provision, Congress says the time has come for private practice to be removed from public hospitals: “This will lead to a loss of revenue for the State. The resources required following the removal of private practice from public services must be sufficient to ensure the maintenance of adequate staffing at all times, as a priority in delivering safe patient care.”

 

Congress general secretary Patricia King’s said: “There should be ‘no going back’ to the old economic model,” and said the ‘indispensability’ of basic public services, and of the welfare state, was brought into sharp focus during the pandemic.

 

“We need a ‘new deal’ or new economic model to ensure a safe and secure future for all,” she said.

 

Patricia emphasised the important role of proper collective bargaining and social dialogue, which she said would be crucial to addressing fast-approaching employment challenges, including the need for a just transition to zero emissions, adapting to rapid technological change at work, minimising the impact of Brexit, reducing precariousness at work and inequality, and developing a new economic and industrial strategy as “the old tax avoidance-based FDI strategy comes under threat.”

 

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said the Congress submission captured essential measures necessary to making successful progress for workers in the wake of the pandemic.

 

“As we emerge from the pandemic we need better lives, better working conditions and a better planet. There are challenges facing us all, but we can’t assume we just go back to normal - we won’t just go back to normal - and while there are challenges, there are also opportunities there for employers, for unions and for government to take on, and to build a better future," he said.

 

Read the full pre-Budget 2022 submission HERE.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Framework for vax conflicts sought
by Bernard Harbor
 

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has initiated discussions with employers’ body Ibec with a view to agreeing a framework to deal with any workplace conflicts over employees’ Covid-19 vaccine status. 


The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has initiated discussions with employers’ body Ibec with a view to agreeing a framework to deal with any workplace conflicts over employees’ Covid-19 vaccine status. While unions continue to encourage workers to get fully vaccinated – and take-up is high in Ireland – ICTU anticipates that some conflicts may arise.

 

Almost 6.8 million vaccines have so far been administered in the Republic, leaving 88% of over 18s fully vaccinated and 92% with at least one dose.

 

In a recent letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin, ICTU general sectary Patricia King said unions backed the Government’s non- mandatory approach to vaccinations on constitutional, legal and human rights grounds. “While some workplace conflict can be expected on this subject it is our view that such exigencies should be managed within an overall framework agreement with the employer side,” she said.

 

However, recent guidance from the Data Protection Commission confirms that there is no legal basis for “unnecessary and excessive” collection of data regarding employees’ vaccination status. It says the processing of health data in response to Covid-19 should be guided by the Government’s public health policies.

 

Official Health and Safety Authority (HSA) guidance says that employers of workers who refuse Covid-19 vaccinations should undertake a risk assessment in cases where the staff member could be exposed to Covid-19 in the workplace.

 

The agency says some employers may have “no option” but to redeploy unvaccinated staff if they are “not safe to perform certain work tasks.”

 

Fórsa official Dessie Robinson – a former HSA board member who is currently part of a National Economic and Social Council team examining the psychological impact of Covid – said existing health and safety regulation is robust in this area. But he added that the regulations don’t explicitly state that an employee who refuses vaccination must be risk assessed and potentially redeployed.

 

“That’s why the HSA recommends the application of health and safety principles of risk assessment and avoidance of risk. Under the law, employers must provide a safe place to work ‘as far as is practicable.’ This means they must take all measures within their control to ensure the safety of the workplace.

 

“If an employee refuses vaccination, that decision increases the risk to them and their family. That would be very difficult to defend, especially considering the exceptional circumstances of this pandemic,” he said.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Feature Article
Fórsa grant scheme invites applications
by Mehak Dugal
 

Fórsa is inviting eligible members and activists to apply to its third level grant support scheme, which gives limited financial assistance to those undertaking certified educational courses – up to third level – that will assist them in carrying out their union representative role.


Fórsa is inviting eligible members and activists to apply to its third level grant support scheme, which gives limited financial assistance to those undertaking certified educational courses – up to third level – that will assist them in carrying out their union representative role.

 

The scheme does not cover courses designed to enhance professional or career development unless they also improve a member’s ability to act as a Fórsa rep.

 

Applicants, who must be fully paid-up Fórsa members, can only apply by completing the approved application form and they must also have the support of their own Fórsa branch.

 

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 13th October 2021.

 

Full details of the application requirements and available support are available HERE. 

 

The application form is available HERE.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Also in this issue
Green Ribbon 2021: Positive message for mental health
by Niall Shanahan
 

The See Change campaign for positive mental health is underway throughout September.

 

Each year the organisation rolls out its month-long national Green Ribbon initiative to encourage people in Ireland to end mental health stigma and discrimination. This is the ninth successive year of the campaign.

 

The organisation aims to promote a better understanding of mental health, to champion equality and bring an end to discrimination for everyone affected by mental health problems. See Change promotes a vision an Ireland where every person has an open and positive attitude to their own and others' mental health, and aims to create an environment where people are more open and positive in their attitudes and behaviour towards mental health.

 

To get the conversation started, everyone is encouraged to wear the Green Ribbon, an international symbol for mental health awareness. By wearing the ribbon you’ll be showing you’re committed to influencing positive change.

 

You don’t need to be an expert to start talking about mental health or have all the answers. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is to let someone know you are there for them and simply listen.

 

Let people know you are open to having a conversation by wearing the green ribbon.

 

Fórsa staff will be joining in this year, and encouraging union members to get involved in a positive conversation about mental health. To find out more, and to place an order for your own Green Ribbon, visit the See Change website.

Fórsa to launch skills academy
 

The Fórsa Skills Academy will be officially launched on Thursday 16th September. The academy is the new home for all of Fórsa’s training and development initiatives. You can register to the online event HERE.

 

The skills academy will offer a wide range of introductory, expanded and advanced training designed for the union’s workplace representatives and branch activists. You can read more about the range of courses HERE. 

 

Details of the first introductory course – Fórsa 101 – have been circulated to branches, and we have invited expressions of interest. This is a half-day online course on the union and how it works, with a focus on the role of Fórsa workplace representatives.

 

The closing date for expressions of interest is 5.00pm on Wednesday, 15th September.

 

Members who are interested in attending should discuss their application with their branch training officer or branch secretary and the Fórsa official assigned to their branch.

 

Full details of how to apply are available HERE.

 

For further information contact Judith Coffey 021-425-5221 or at skillsacademy@forsa.ie.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Afghan trade unionists at risk
by Mehak Dugal
 

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has welcomed the Government commitment to offer 150 Afghans humanitarian admission to Ireland, but says the offer is insufficient to protect refugees fleeing persecution.

 

The Taliban’s recent takeover has placed thousands of Afghan trade unionists, journalists, civil society activists, and human rights defenders at serious risk of reprisals. ICTU has called for urgent international action to prevent further human rights abuses.

 

It says Ireland must take a lead, including through its membership of the UN Security Council. And it wants increased Irish development assistance for independent civil society organisations and trade unions in the region.

 

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently spoke of “chilling” reports of human rights violations against women and young girls.

 

Congress is supporting a call from Irish-based migrant, asylum and refugee advocates for the Government to agree to resettle at least 1,000 Afghan refugees. And, with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) it has offered assistance to Afghan trade unionists.

 

Even prior to the Taliban takeover, trade union rights were grossly violated in Afghanistan, where the authorities were determined to deprive workers of union representation and oppress the work of trade unions in their fight to defend workers' rights.

 

Congress has raised alarm at threats to the leaders of the National Union of Afghanistan Workers and Employees (NUAWE) and has called on the Government to grant asylum to NUAWE leaders and their families.

 

Yvonne O’ Callaghan, Congress Global Solidarity chairperson, said that countries “must be willing to assume their responsibilities” under international law to protect and accept refugees.

 

According to UNHCR there are currently 96,000 Afghan people in neighbouring countries in need of protection.

 

You can support the people of Afghanistan by signing the Amnesty Ireland petition. 

Harassment targeted in joint campaign
by Mehak Dugal
 

Irish unions and NGOs have called for the prompt passage of a new international convention that aims to protect women and other workers from harassment and abuse.

 

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has joined ActionAid Ireland and the Men’s Development Network to put pressure on the Irish Government to quickly adopt International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on Violence and Harassment – known as C190 – and to implement accompanying recommendations.

 

The ILO is a United Nations body that brings together representatives of governments, workers and employers. Its conventions only become legally binding once they are accepted by members states.

 

The campaign is calling on the Tánaiste to progress the adoption to make Ireland a “global leader” in formalising the status of C190 and to set a positive example to the rest of the world. As Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Varadkar has responsibility for ratification of ILO conventions.

 

Only nine countries have so far formally adopted C190, which was adopted by the ILO’s General Conference over two years ago. Ireland is publicly committed to early ratification.

 

The campaign is also asking the Irish Government to update legislation to oblige companies to take actions to eliminate all forms of harassment and violence against women in their supply chains.

 

Citing the dangerous and undignified working conditions in industries such as electronics, toys, entertainment, fast fashion and agriculture, ActionAid Ireland says many Irish-based companies source from factories and producers in lower-income countries where employment laws offer far less protection against violence and harassment.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

Join Fórsa online
 

Workers who wish to join Fórsa can to do so using a new ‘join online’ function on the union’s website.

 

Going live with the new system follows several months of research, preparation and testing aimed at making it easier than ever to join the union. It also goes live as the union continues to process a large number of new membership applications, as interest in joining the union has surged since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis.

 

Fórsa’s general secretary Kevin Callinan commented: “The current crisis has created the necessity to be able to carry out our business in different ways. Work on this project had commenced before the Covid-19 crisis took hold, and its completion marks a vital step as we tackle the challenges of living in changed times.

 

“We can see that more people want to join a union in response to what’s happening in the wider economy. It’s vital that they can take those initial steps quickly and easily, and making the membership application process more accessible is part of that process.

 

“This is a crucial new venture to enable Fórsa to substantially increase our membership - and to strengthen the union’s hand - at a critical time in the union’s development,” he said.

 

The online facility is a streamlined and simplified membership application process, and will be the quickest and easiest way to join the union. All incoming applications will continue to be subject to check-off and approval by Fórsa branches and the national executive committee, while the new online system is designed to ease the administrative burden on branches.

 

You can join Fórsa online at https://join.forsa.ie/

 

Fórsa: Here to support you
 

 

 


Fórsa is here to protect you if you have problems arising from the coronavirus or other workplace issues. The best way to contact the union at this time is HERE.

 

We will deal with queries as quickly as we can but, needless to say, the union will prioritise cases where members’ jobs and incomes are at immediate risk – as well as any serious health and safety issues that may arise.

 

Fórsa has cancelled all face-to-face meetings for the time being. The union is redeploying its staff to prioritise engagement with management on proposals arising from the Covid-19 public health crisis, and to provide rapid and efficient responses to members’ queries and concerns.

 

Fórsa's main phone line (01 817 1500) is now open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively members can use the Contact Us page on the Fórsa website to submit queries directly to the relevant division within Fórsa and this remains the most efficient way to access advice directly.

 

Wherever possible, Fórsa staff have been equipped to work remotely. Therefore, members should not attend Fórsa offices at this time. If you have a query or concern, the best way to raise it is to contact the union HERE.