Fórsa is in talks with the Department of Foreign Affairs about working arrangements in the passport office. The union is urging the management to continue to identify work that can be carried out off-site.

Since the onset of Covid-19, the union has sought to find a balance to ensure that staff can attend safely where attendance is necessary, and has advocated for work to be done remotely where attendance is not necessary.

Fórsa official Seán Carabini said sensible solutions can be put in place to allow workers balance work and home life, especially those with caring responsibilities.

“Covid has not been easy on anyone. We have been working since the spring to make sure that sensible solutions can be found to allow people to balance their work and home commitments,” he said.

“Particular regard needs to be given to those with caring responsibilities. We have worked with the Department to try to identify these solutions. Now, though, we really need to see a big push to identify work that can be carried out off-site,” said Seán.

He praised the dedication of passport office staff, and called for a renewed effort by management to identify home working.

“The government line continues to be to work remotely where possible. We believe there is more scope for this. People want to be able to do their jobs, but in the safest way possible. Fórsa will continue to work and advocate with members until every last opportunity for remote working has been identified,” said Seán.