Fórsa national secretary Billy Hannigan has retired from the union after more than 36 years as an activist and trade union official.

Having embarked on a career the Department of Transport, Billy first joined the Public Services Executive Union (PSEU) as a branch secretary and, later, a national executive committee member.  He became an official in 1986, and worked with members in both the civil service and semi-state bodies.

As PSEU deputy general secretary he was integral to the negotiations on the civil service pension schemes and travel and subsistence arrangements, and he worked alongside the Irish Congress of Trade Unions developing policies such as pension auto-enrolment and state pension eligibility.

During this time Billy also worked hard to progress a range of equality matters and social justice issues, broadening the then remit of the union.

Billy was part of the negotiating team during the formation of Fórsa. He was an enthusiastic proponent of the creation of the new union and firmly believed that this was the best option for the three unions and their members.

After the amalgamation, he led the Fórsa strategic change project, which developed the union’s strategic plan and set out organisational objectives and strategies for the next five years. During this time, he also conducted a review of Fórsa, examining union strength, influence, organisation and activity.

Billy was integral to Fórsa conferences, working closely with the Standing Orders Committee (SOC) to organise and structure the conference agenda. Most recently, he facilitated a construct which works to better focus conference business.

As an avid reader and devoted GAA fan, he served his beloved Saint James Gaels as chairperson. We all hope he now enjoys the expanded time he have to enjoy his wide range of interests and all of life’s pleasures.

A much-respected, much-loved colleague, an advocate and friend of the members and a wise, knowledgeable and generous comrade, we wish Billy a very fond farewell in his retirement.