Planned industrial action by Fórsa members at Barnardos, due to commence last month (25th June), was suspended by the union’s disputes committee following the employer’s decision to implement a 4% pay increase.  

The payment, which will be backdated, represents the balance of an 8% pay rise due under the 2023 Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreement covering health-funded agencies in the community and voluntary sector. 

Barnardos had previously paid just 4% of the increase, claiming the remaining funds had been diverted to offset an earlier 2022 pay uplift. Fórsa rejected this rationale and had served notice of a work-to-rule action after Barnardos refused to engage with the union or attend WRC conciliation. 

The suspension of the action followed Barnardos’ confirmation that it would now proceed with the remaining 4% payment. The organisation indicated this would need to be “self-financing.” However, Fórsa’s position remains firm. The 2023 pay deal was fully funded by Government, and employers in receipt of that funding are required to use it in full for pay restoration and increases. 

Fórsa official Louise O’Hara commented: “There is no provision in the agreement for employers to divert funding to recoup past pay costs. We welcome the decision to pay, but we do not accept any suggestion that staff must absorb cuts elsewhere to fund it. Members at Barnardos will robustly challenge any such approach.” 

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