2025 has seen major developments on the establishment of a job evaluation scheme in local authorities.  Since May, Fórsa and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) have been working on the design and implementation of a scheme for workers in local authorities. A further hearing took place at the WRC on Monday 15th December and significant progress was made.  

Members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action. Chair of the ICT committee Paul Barker said: “The ballot has given us a clear mandate from members. Our work underpins the delivery of public services by local authorities across the country. Industrial action could cause significant chaos and disruption to workers and the public. Our members are united and determined to achieve a positive outcome.”  

In a statement issued on behalf of Fórsa, SIPTU, Connect and ICTU, the unions voiced concerns about the full implementation of the Framework for Public Water Services as the current transformation period is to conclude in December 2026.  

Deputy general secretary Matt Staunton will retire at the end of this month, after a decades long trade union career, serving those who serve.

Fórsa branches sleighed expectations for this year’s appeal collecting record-breaking donation of toys and the highest level of financial contributions ever received with the final tally hurtling towards 10k as we go to print.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has called out the government on its continued discrimination against workers under the age of 21, with the practice of suppressing pay for young adults being called “grossly unfair.”