The Tusla reform process has continued over the past number of months. Earlier this year, the union negotiated terms of reference for consultation throughout the process to ensure members’ needs are represented. 

Updating members on the union’s activity, Fórsa official Tony Martin said: “Since we surveyed members earlier this year we have been engaging with the employer on a group-by-group basis.”  

Tusla has now concluded the staff mapping process they have been conducting. This workforce planning process was undertaken to ascertain future staffing needs. Members may have been consulted on a one-to-one basis regarding their preferences in terms of location.   

Management will be communicating with members and staff in that regard in the coming days and weeks. Speaking about the process, Tony said: “We’ve been pushing the employer to communicate openly with workers throughout this process so that people can be reassured that they will not face huge disruption. Now that the process is complete, we are pleased to report that only a very small number of staff may be asked to move location.”  

Members working in Tusla will also be aware of a long running issue around management’s removal of the Job Evaluation Scheme which was protected by the Framework Agreement which established the agency in 2014.    

On this, Tony said: “We finally have a date for a Labour Court hearing on this matter, it is now set for the 31st of October.  We appreciate members’ patience on this matter and will update you as soon as there is further information.”  

While the reform process is complex and generates uncertainty, it is also providing significant opportunities to recruit new members and build visibility on the ground. Almost 300 members working in Tusla have joined the union this year, with workplace density rising to above 70%. 

Tony continued: “Members are organising on the issues that matter to them in this reform process and recruiting new members. There is so much going on that we even have sub-committees forming, like in Kerry, to organise and flag issues that come up.”