The ongoing dispute at Tusla, over access to a job evaluation scheme, has been referred to the Labour Court. The referral follows a request by Fórsa following last week’s conciliation conference under the auspices of the WRC.

Fórsa assistant general secretary Chris Cully said Fórsa set out its position, regarding the 2013 Framework Agreement, and the continued breach of that agreement by the employer by denying access to the agreed job evaluation scheme.

She added: “Tusla and DCEDIY (Department of Children Equality Disability Integration and Youth) were represented at last week’s conciliation.

“Despite the best efforts of the conciliation officer, the parties were unable to reach agreement, so Fórsa requested onward referral of the matter to the Labour Court as provided for under section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act.

“A referral of this kind requires agreement of both parties, and the employer agreed on the basis that the union would agree not to further escalate its current industrial action.

“Fórsa had been planning to escalate our industrial action from 4th December, but this was paused to allow for engagement in the WRC. That pause remains in place pending the Labour Court hearing, but the existing industrial action instruction – in place since 25th October - remains active,” she said.

The ongoing industrial action involves Tusla’s clerical and administrative staff employed in grades three to six, who balloted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action in September.

The action takes the form of a series of non-cooperation actions, and an FAQ on the industrial action is available HERE.

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