Fórsa and other unions representing workers in Irish Water and the wider Ervia group have sought a meeting with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). They want to assess the potential impact of the Government’s proposals to create a single water utility encompassing all water services, including those currently provided by local authorities, by 2021.

The move comes as Fórsa’s local authority divisions have agreed to enter WRC-assisted talks about the future of water services, including the Government’s proposal.

Along with other unions representing local government water workers, Fórsa agreed to enter the process on the understanding that the engagement must yield “simultaneous movement” on four strands:

• The future sustainability and revitalisation of local authority services
• A constitutional referendum on public ownership of water services
• The structure and governance of the proposed single water utility, and
• Employment and industrial relations issues that arise from the proposal.

Fórsa also wants to talk to ICTU about issues identified in these four strands from the perspective of workers in Irish Water and the wider Ervia group, and to set out issues of concern to Ervia staff. If necessary, they may also seek the assistance of the WRC. 

Copper-fastening public ownership of water services remains a ‘red line’ for Fórsa and other unions in the sector.