Fórsa and other unions representing local authority staff have made a vital breakthrough in the ongoing discussions regarding government proposals for the future of water services. 

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan addressed an event last week organised by the Employment Bar Association on the future of work: “As we emerge from the pandemic we need better lives, better working conditions and a better planet. There are challenges facing us all, but we can’t assume we just go back to normal."

Fórsa, SIPTU and Connect trade unions, which collectively represent 30,000 local authority workers across Ireland, last week launched the second phase of the More Power To You campaign to reclaim the role of local authorities, enhance local democracy, and start a conversation about the future of local government and local services that reflect the needs of Ireland’s changing and diverse society.

While roughly half of employers already provide paid sick leave, many lower-earning more vulnerable workers have no paid sick leave, but a new statutory sick pay scheme is to be phased in over a four-year period, starting with three paid days per year in 2022.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) responded to media reports last week that An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar wants to see a phased return to offices in August rather than September, on the assumption that the vaccination programme continues on course and cases remain under control.

A new research project is underway to assess the financial impact of the introduction of a four day working week on businesses.

Minister for health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed that work is underway to develop a workplace menopause policy.