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More restrictions to relax from Monday
by Bernard Harbor
 

The second phase of the easing of coronavirus restrictions, scheduled to start on Monday (8th June), will herald a phased return to workplaces for some staff who can “constantly” maintain two metres of social distancing.


The second phase of the easing of coronavirus restrictions, scheduled to start on Monday (8th June), will herald a phased return to workplaces for some staff who can “constantly” maintain two metres of social distancing.


However, the Government’s ‘roadmap for reopening society and business’ says remote working should be maintained “for all workers and businesses that can do so.”

 

Monday will also see the beginning of a gradual resumption of library services, with Fórsa continuing to engage with council employers to ensure maximum health protections for staff and library users.

 

A national protocol, agreed between government, unions and employers, outlines the steps that employers and workers must take to ensure a safe workplace as restrictions are relaxed in the coming weeks and months.

 

Monday’s relaxation of travel restrictions will also allow people to travel 20 kilometres from home, though the regulations say unnecessary travel should still be avoided.

 

Fórsa has warned that continued restrictions on public transport numbers, which remain in place during the next three-week ‘roadmap’ phase, are likely to hamper the return to workplaces for some.

 

In evidence to the Oireachtas special committee on the Covid-19 response, Fórsa said the “restricted availability of public transport, together with health concerns related to commuting” could inhibit the reopening of the economy.


The ‘phase two’ easing of restrictions will also see small retail outlets reopen if they are able to control the number of interactions between staff and customers. And people can visit those ‘cocooning’ in small numbers, so long as they wear gloves and face coverings and keep a distance of at least two metres.


See also ‘Staff confidence in safety steps required’. 


Read Fórsa’s advice on a safe return to workplaces HERE

 

 

 

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

Return to normal workplace relations needed
by Bernard Harbor
 

A return to normal workplace industrial relations where major issues are decided by agreement between managers and workers’ representatives must be a feature of the reopening of the economy.


A return to normal workplace industrial relations – where major issues are decided by agreement between managers and workers’ representatives – must be a feature of the reopening of the economy over the coming weeks and months, according to Fórsa.

 

In a written submission to the Oireachtas Special Committee on the Covid-19 Response, the union said a degree of ‘normality’ should return to working life after an extraordinary period when staff cooperated with major – albeit temporary – changes introduced by management without prior negotiation or agreement.

 

These included a massive shift to remote working, the designation of services as essential, the allocation of staff to high-risk work environments, temporary reassignments, health and safety issues, and rostering and shift patterns.

 

Huge changes like these would normally be subject to detailed negotiations with the union, with workers backing or rejecting the outcomes in ballots.

 

The union’s paper said public servants had “readily accepted” this as they recognised the scale and seriousness of the crisis. There was also a high degree of consultation with unions, even though senior management was ultimately making the decisions.

 

Though these were not negotiations, the consultation – at national and sectoral level – meant unions could influence policy, express concerns on behalf of workers, and highlight the possible consequences of proposed measures.

 

“Along with Ireland’s strong public service ethos, which engendered a committed and determined response to the crisis among civil and public servants, this consultative approach underpinned an exceptionally high degree of cooperation with rapid and dramatic demands and changes,” the union said.

 

Fórsa also said the limits of the temporary ‘command and control’ approach to workplace change became evident at times. “Two prominent examples were the debacle over the promised provision of childcare to essential staff and the initial reassignments of special needs assistants to the HSE,” it said.

 

The union’s paper also noted that major national policies had been agreed through ‘social dialogue’ between government, unions and employer representatives at the height of the crisis.

 

“This was at its most formal and detailed stage in the negotiation of the ‘return to work safety protocol,’ but it was also strongly evident in union and employer representative input into the establishment of the pandemic unemployment payment and the temporary wage subsidy scheme,” it said.

 

Fórsa said the case for formal social dialogue had become stronger because of the economic and social crises now facing Ireland.

 

The union’s views were submitted to the Oireachtas committee this week.

 

Read the Fórsa submission to the Oireachtas Special Committee HERE.

 

 

 

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

High anxiety among Fórsa members
 

Four out of five Fórsa members say they have felt anxious or nervous as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, according to a new survey. 

 


Four out of five Fórsa members say they have felt anxious or nervous as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, according to a new survey.

 

Over 70% reported problems with sleeping, while more than half said either they or a family member had experienced depression or a related condition as a result of the pandemic.


The results reflect the stress of a period when thousands of Fórsa members have stepped-up to serve in high-risk frontline environments, with many more having to rapidly adjust to remote working.


A significant number have also grappled with reduced pay, lay-offs, and insecurity about their jobs. 


When asked to name their top five concerns, half of respondents cited mental health and 45% mentioned physical health. Some 29% of us are concerned about our weight and appearance, while almost a quarter (24%) are worried about money. Some 23% expressed unease about parenting.


Other concerns included juggling childcare and home-schooling with remote working, redeployment concerns, and poor support from the workplace.


Many respondents also mentioned worries about the physical and mental wellbeing of elderly parents, children and other vulnerable family members. And there was anxiety what the future holds.


Over 5,000 Fórsa members completed the survey, which was carried out by Cornmarket on the union’s behalf.


The company is now working with Fórsa to develop a range of podcasts and articles featuring renowned psychotherapists, motivational speakers and mental health professionals. Survey respondents said they would welcome such supports.


Cornmarket administers two of the union’s salary protection schemes

 

Struggling with remote working? Read Fórsa’s comprehensive advice HERE.

 

 

 

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

Remote working agreement needed
by Bernard Harbor
 

Employers who want to maintain structured remote working as coronavirus restrictions on travel and assembly ease will need to put staff safeguards in place and reach agreement with worker representatives, Fórsa has said.


Employers who want to maintain structured remote working as coronavirus restrictions on travel and assembly ease will need to put staff safeguards in place and reach agreement with worker representatives, Fórsa has said.

 

While some surveys show that many newly-remote workers would like to continue some form of home working, many have also found it a challenge. That’s why Fórsa recently published advice to its members on managing remote working

 

In a submission to the Oireachtas Special Committee on the Covid-19 response, Fórsa this week said that workers understood that the large-scale move to temporary homeworking arrangements was necessary during the immediate crisis.

 

“Employers now have a responsibility to engage with staff representatives to foster an agreed approach to the organisation of working time and location that can accommodate the various circumstances and concerns of their staff,” it said.

 

The union also said that a national public policy response could be needed. “There may emerge a need for stronger statutory and regulatory safeguards, as the expansion of remote working could otherwise be accompanied by an increase in the insecurity and exploitation associated with the ‘gig’ economy,” it argued.

 

The union’s submission added that State agencies – including the Health and Safety Authority, the Data Protection Commissioner and the National Cyber Security Centre – might need to consider strengthening their advice and enforcement regimes to reflect a situation where remote working becomes far more prevalent.

 

More than a third of workers in Ireland were working remotely at the peak of the public health crisis. The Government’s ‘roadmap for reopening society and business’ is clear that many workers will continue to work remotely for some time.

 

Fórsa acknowledged that a shift to remote working has the potential to improve productivity, public services, regional balance, quality of life, and the environment. But the union says it also comes with challenges.

 

“Employers and their staff should be applauded for establishing productive and rewarding remote working arrangements in an extraordinarily short period of time. While this has been a positive and productive experience for many, others have personal and family circumstances or accommodation constraints that result in huge difficulties in home working,” it said.

 

The Fórsa guide, Working at home: Staying safe, connected, healthy and productive, contains advice on health and safety, setting up a workspace, breaks, staying in touch with managers and colleagues, and balancing work with home life and childcare. It also carries useful tips on data protection, cybersecurity, and safeguarding your mental health.

 

Róisín McKane of Fórsa’s Communications Unit drafted the guidance. “You may be out of the workplace, but you can still rely on certain legal protections, and you should look to your employer for the supports you need to do your job safely and well,” she said.

 

Read the Fórsa guidance HERE

 

If you have questions or concerns about your own situation, you can contact Fórsa HERE

 

 

 

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

Staff confidence in safety steps required
by Bernard Harbor
 

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) has agreed that arrangements to ensure workplace protection from the spread of Covid-19 must have the confidence of staff.


The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) has agreed that arrangements to ensure workplace protection from the spread of Covid-19 must have the confidence of staff.


The acknowledgement came after Fórsa sought a commitment that unions should be closely involved in the designation of ‘lead worker representatives’, who are required in all workplaces under a nationally-agreed ‘return to work safety protocol.’ 


The protocol outlines the steps that employers must take to ensure a safe workplace when staff return to work as national restrictions are relaxed in the coming weeks and months.


In a letter to Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan this week, DPER said that individual employers were ultimately responsible for the implementation of its provisions.


It said that “public service employers are required to adhere to the protocol,” and added that “different sectors and employers may require a variety of approaches to ensure the safety of their employees on return to the workplace.”


Fórsa sought assurances over the appointment of lead worker representatives after it emerged that public service employers were taking different approaches, with some opting to work through traditional health and safety structures that don’t necessarily feature union involvement.

 

In a letter to DPER, Kevin Callinan argued that arrangements under the agreed safety protocol were distinct from the normal workplace health and safety role.

 

He said this was necessary because staff had raised “a huge level of safety concerns” with their unions, which needed to be deeply involved in coronavirus-related safety measures “in the highly unionised public service environment.”


DPER’s formulation that “any arrangements should have the confidence of all parties” is seen as confirming a central union role, while giving employers scope to introduce safety measures in all circumstances.


Earlier, Fórsa sought and received confirmation that the protocol applies to staff who have been present in their workplaces throughout the crisis. DPER subsequently issued guidance that said: “Employers should ensure that the Return to Work Safely Protocol is reviewed for any additional issues that should be considered to ensure compliance with the protocol for those employees who are already working onsite.”


Read Fórsa’s advice on a safe return to workplaces HERE

 

 


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

New mums to get wage subsidy access
by Mehak Dugal
 

The Government has said it’s taking steps to address the loophole in the temporary wage subsidy scheme (TWSS), which disqualified some women returning from maternity leave.


The Government has said it’s taking steps to address the loophole in the temporary wage subsidy scheme (TWSS), which disqualified some women returning from maternity leave.


Prompted by union demands, the decision brings an end to weeks of uncertainty for new mums who were hit financially or feared for their jobs.


Last Friday finance minister Paschal Donohoe announced that he has revised the scheme to address the strict criteria that excluded returning mothers and people on adoptive leave.


The change required legislation, which isn’t possible until a new Government is in place. But Donohoe said its provisions would be backdated to 26th March, and that Revenue would adopt the measures in the meantime.


Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ general secretary Patricia King welcomed the announcement.


“These women are bona fide employees often with a long employment history with the employer registered with Revenue for the TWSS. Excluding them from coverage was unacceptable and in direct conflict with the spirit of the scheme and the provisions in employment equality legislation,” she said.


The temporary wage subsidy scheme was introduced to help struggling employers pay salaries. It required workers to have been on payroll on 29th February or to have been paid in either January or February.


This excluded mothers who were on unpaid leave during those months.


As for the women on paid leave, there were concerns that only the ‘top-up’ amount from their employers would be considered as earnings, making them eligible for much less that their normal pay.


Men on paternity leave or people availing of illness benefit are also subject to this method of calculating the expected wages.


TWSS pays up to €410 per week, subject to the condition that employers keep the workers on their books.

 

 

 

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

Feature Article
Are you getting enough?
 

You can help us keep you up-to-date with union information, news and advice by checking your contact details and amending them if necessary. If we have your home and personal contact details (personal email, mobile phone number, and home address) we can get information to you quickly and directly. You can update your contact details HERE


Also in this issue
Covid-19: Advice to Fórsa members
 

Fórsa has updated its advice on coronavirus-related work issues for civil servants and staff in the wider public service. The advice covers attendance at work (including for pregnant workers and those with health vulnerabilities), salary protections for those self-isolating, temporary staff transfers, childcare and more. Read it HERE.

 

 

 

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

Union guidance for remote working
by Bernard Harbor
 

Fórsa has published new advice for workers who will be working remotely in the medium or long-term.

 

The guidance was produced as the Government’s recently-announced ‘roadmap for reopening society and business’, made it clear that many public servants and others will continue to work from home for some time.

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the working circumstances of almost half of Ireland’s workers, with more than a third now working from home. This extended period of remote working is a new experience for most.

 

While some have now established a productive and rewarding remote working routine, it can be a struggle at times.

 

Working at home: Staying safe, connected, healthy and productive contains advice on health and safety, setting up a workspace, breaks, staying in touch with managers and colleagues, and balancing work with home life and childcare.

 

The guide also contains useful tips on data protection, cybersecurity, and safeguarding your mental health.


Róisín McKane of Fórsa’s Communications Unit drafted the guidance. “Many union members could be working remotely for longer than they ever expected. This information will help them to navigate home working for an extended period.

 

“You may be out of the workplace, but you can still rely on certain legal protections, and you should look to your employer for the supports you need to do your job safely and well,” she said.

 

Read the Fórsa guidance HERE. 

 

If you have questions or concerns about your own situation, you can contact Fórsa HERE

 

 

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

Unions condemn Floyd killing
 

Irish trade unions joined global condemnation of the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer last week, and lent support to the mostly-peaceful ‘black lives matters’ demonstrations the murder sparked across the USA and the globe.


Fórsa showed solidarity by joining the #BlackoutTuesday campaign, in which anti-racist organisations and individuals refrained from social media posts on 2nd June.

 

Statistics show that black men and boys are almost three times more likely to be killed by US police than their white compatriots. Last year, 24% of those killed by cops were black, although black people made up just 13% of the population.

 

Of those killed by police, blacks are more likely to be unarmed. There was no prosecution in 99% cases of police killings between 2013 and 2019.


Yvonne O'Callaghan, who chairs the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ (ICTU’s) Global Solidarity Committee, said George Floyd’s death reminded the world of the racism deeply embedded in US society.


“This racism is further encouraged by the irresponsible actions of Donald Trump, and we condemn his attempts to portray the fight against racism and fascism as terrorism,” she said.


ICTU official David Joyce said unions played an important role in the fight against inequality and state violence. “We stand in solidarity with our trade union colleagues in the US, and share their determination to address racism and discrimination,” he said.


David said black communities everywhere faced inequality in workplaces and communities. He cited Ireland’s ‘direct provision’ system for asylum-seekers as an example.

Hidden Hero blog: Dublin City Libraries
by Hazel Gavigan
 
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.