Workers now enjoy a strengthened ‘right to disconnect’ under a new code of practice launched by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) last week.

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan is one of the union representatives on a newly-established high-level working group, which is to review Ireland’s arrangements for trade union recognition and collective bargaining.

Fórsa’s national executive has agreed to fund the Recover Irish Aviation campaign to the tune of €25,000. This is in addition to funds already allocated by the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association.

Unions have called for a minimum of ten days paid leave each year for victims of domestic violence. An ICTU submission to the Government highlighted the disproportionate impact that Covid-19 restrictions have had on victims of violence, harassment and abuse.

Fórsa is continuing internal consultations about the make-up of ‘bargaining units’ under the sectoral bargaining provisions of the new agreement, Building Momentum, which covers staff in non-commercial State agencies.

The Government’s new rural development plan, announced last week, will include a major focus on attracting remote workers to rural communities, with a significant portion of the plan focused on public sector workers.

Fórsa members and staff were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former IMPACT president Finbarr O'Driscoll, who died this week. A former councillor and mayor of Cobh, Finbarr was a loyal member and avid union activist.