Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan and SIPTU general secretary Joe Cunningham penned a joint article in the Irish Times this week, in which they argued for a fundamentally different approach to economic reconstruction to that adopted during the 2008-2010 banking crisis.

The leaders of Ireland’s two largest unions argued that the crisis has demonstrated what can be achieved when the State mobilises financial, organisational and human resources for the common good, when people work together collectively, and when citizens have equal access to essential goods and services.

“The next challenge will be to embed these principles into our economic, social and business model on the other side of the emergency. Once the health crisis abates, the priority will be to kick-start our economies and maintain living standards, not to classify and pay back debt.

“There are strong reasons to believe that we may be experiencing a ‘1945 moment,’ where the enormity of loss and sacrifice, the scale of economic devastation, and fatigue with austerity, combine to create the conditions for a radical shift in European public policy,” they wrote.

You can read the full article HERE.

Fórsa member and social care worker Roland Kennedy featured in Fórsa’s 'hidden heroes’ social media campaign earlier this week. The campaign highlights the work of our members who are tackling the corona-crisis.

Roland works in residential care at St John of Gods Hospital in Dublin. But when a coronavirus case emerged in one of the psychiatric hospital’s residential units, the long-time social care worker was dispatched to work with the affected service users.

For the duration of the pandemic Roland will work with service users who have tested positive for the virus.

“A Covid-19 diagnosis is worrying and stressful for all involved,” he says. “In a residential care environment, it’s a time of great anxiety for the person who has received the diagnosis and for the service-users sharing the residential unit. And, of course, for the staff.”

He described what happened when the first case emerged in the unit. “We immediately went into lockdown and all service-users in the residential facility were isolated. It was a very unsettling time. Tensions were running high, but we had to be proactive, acting quickly and efficiently.”

Roland described the circumstances in which he came to work with Covid-affected service users. “I have worked here for more than 20 years. I’m familiar with a lot of the service-users and, on that basis, it was decided that I would migrate across and work with the affected unit.”

“It’s important that those affected see a familiar face during this scary time. Although I’m not sure how familiar I looked wearing all that PPE,” he joked.

As a Fórsa activist and local rep, Roland felt it was important that he took on the difficult task. “As the local rep on the ground in St John of Gods, it was important that I stepped into this role and led form the front,” he said. “I couldn’t sit on the side lines.”

“I needed to lead by example and show my fellow colleagues that Fórsa members will step up to the plate when needed.”

Roland praised the support he received from Fórsa during this time. “The union was fantastic,” he said. “The help and assistance I received from my official, Sean McElhinney and his team was really reassuring. Not to mention the support from the Dublin Care Services branch. It must be commended.”

Roland, whose wife also works on the front line, was all too aware of the risks that this work posed to his health, and the health of his family.

“There are lots of questions and worry when a situation like this arises,” he said. “I was definitely concerned about my family and the potential risks that they would be exposed to. But I suppose I just had to get on with it while being as safe as possible given the circumstances,” he says.

Stressing the unquestionable importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the battle against Covid-19, Roland emphasised the need for a practical and welfare-led attitude towards health and safety procedures.

“The availability and correct use of PPE is vital in the fight against this virus,” said Roland. “It is so important that we are proactive in our attitudes towards PPE, rather than reactive. Front-line workers must have the necessary safety equipment to ensure their own health and welfare is safeguarded, while they continue to help others,” he said.

For more information on the 'hidden heroes’ campaign click HERE.

To follow the campaign on twitter click HERE.

Fórsa has said the Government’s plan to give childcare support to some health workers falls well short of what’s required to assist essential health staff and maximise the numbers available in hospitals and nursing homes.

The Government announced on Wednesday (22^nd April) that public servants who are partners of essential health staff could be given paid leave to assist with childcare.

But the union, which represents 30,000 health workers, said the plan was a partial solution that would not help those hit hardest by childcare difficulties – single parents, and families where both adults are essential workers. Neither will it assist health workers whose partners have jobs in the private sector.

Fórsa’s head of health Éamonn Donnelly said today’s announcement was “at best a partial measure.” He said essential health staff were being forced to stay at home to look after their children, even as the Coronavirus was depleting the number of health staff available for work.

Éamonn said: “We welcome any movement that will ease the pressure, and this will. But it’s a partial solution that won’t help those hit hardest by childcare difficulties – single parents and families where both adults are essential workers.

“Staffing pressures in the health service have worsened as significant numbers of health workers have contracted the virus or have had to self-isolate.

“Increasing numbers of health workers have been forced to take annual leave to cover gaps in their temporary childcare arrangements, and a growing number are telling us that they simply have to prioritise their children in the absence of promised supports.

“This has penalised the very people who provide essential services, often at considerable personal risk to themselves, and has further depleted the staff complements in hospitals and elsewhere.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the closure of all schools and crèches on Thursday 12^th March. At that time, health unions were assured that the Government would quickly put childcare supports in place for essential staff working to prevent the spread of coronavirus and treat those with the condition.

Éamonn said staff were dismayed that there had been so little progress in the six weeks since schools and crèches were closed. Fórsa has been pushing the HSE for a solution for six weeks and raised the issue directly with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Monday of this week. 

Fórsa has called for a review of the provision of face-to-face social protection services after a number of workers in a Dublin Intreo office tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week.

A number of other staff members are said to be displaying coronavirus symptoms, and the office had closed on foot of HSE advice.

Fórsa official Paul MacSweeney said the outbreak underlined union fears that continued attendance at Intreo offices posed a significant, and largely unnecessary, risk of further spread of the virus.

“The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) has taken steps to promote online and phone engagement to reduce footfall. But, six weeks into the employment crisis, the continued availability of counter services is clearly encouraging people to breach the Government’s stay-at-home guidelines and put themselves and others at risk.

“In the face of that risk, it’s time for the department to review the need to keep offices open, and to find imaginative ways of serving the small minority of customers who are genuinely unable to access services online, by phone or by mail,” he said.

Paul has also asked DEASP to seek HSE advice on the issue of customers using Intreo centres outside their catchment area.

“With an office now closed on public health grounds, there’s clearly additional risk attached to customers going to other centres. It’s a risk to service-users and staff in those centres, and to public transport users and staff,” he said.

The union acknowledged that there has been a significant reduction in Intreo office opening hours, which has reduced risk by encouraging customers to use online and other remote services.

“Fórsa is now calling on DEASP to further review the provision of face to face services, given the inherent risk and the fact that these services are available remotely,” said Paul. 

He said the department should support Government policy by discouraging unnecessary travel. “We also continue to press for more remote working in the department, where two-thirds of staff are still travelling into work. A lot more work could be performed remotely,” he said.

In an extraordinary effort, departmental staff have processed well over 580,000 pandemic unemployment claims.

Fórsa wants Covid-19 test results for Dublin’s fire fighters and paramedics analysed and returned on a priority basis, after it emerged that 12 have tested positive for the virus. Many more have had to self-isolate.

But Fórsa representative Maria Markey spoke of fire fighters’ pride in their contribution during the crisis. “Despite the risk to themselves and their families, Dublin fire fighters proudly go to work every day in the knowledge that they do so in an effort to keep the community safe,” she said.

The union has insisted that fire fighters should be treated in the same way as other workers at frequent risk of coming into contact with the virus.

At weekly union-management meetings, Fórsa reps have heard management say they are working to have fire brigade staff prioritised for testing and the rapid return of test results.

However, Fórsa official Dessie Robinson said the availability of tests and results was still too slow almost two months into the crisis.

“Fire fighters and paramedics are treating every call-out as a possible coronavirus case. They are in daily contact with patients who have tested positive for the virus, and this has put huge pressure on them,” he said.

Meanwhile, a number of Fórsa members in the service have been moved to a temporary emergency control room in the O’Brien institute on the Malahide Road. This was set up as a resilience measure in the event of the HQ control room becoming affected.

The union has sought and received a written guarantee that all calls will return to HQ in Tara Street when the emergency measures abate.    

Fórsa proposed that so-called ‘section 39’ agencies and their staff be brought under the remit of the HSE for the duration of the coronavirus crisis when unions met HSE officials in a conference call today (Friday).

The union, which first made the proposal over three ago, said the move would ease voluntary transfers of staff into essential health service areas. And it would underpin jobs in the sector by giving financial stability to agencies that are currently delivering reduced services because of Covid-related restrictions.

The section 39 agencies are independent of the HSE, but receive public money to provide disability, homelessness, addiction and other services.

Fórsa’s head of health, Éamonn Donnelly, said the agencies should be treated in the same way as private hospitals, which have effectively been brought into the public health system for the time being.

“These agencies and their staff need maximum stability in a time of crisis. They are also a source of capable, qualified and Garda-vetted staff, who have the necessary skills needed to hit the ground running in the coronavirus response in our communities.

“Staff in the sector are telling me that they are ready to make a bigger contribution. They will respond if the HSE looks for their support, and the best way to facilitate this is to bring the Section 39s under the HSE umbrella for the duration of the crisis,” he said.

Mr Donnelly said the financial uncertainty surrounding the sector meant some section 39 agencies were at risk of going under. “Thousands of vulnerable people depend on their services, and the liability would fall on an already overstretched HSE if any of them close or fail,” he said.

Fórsa and other unions in the sector have long maintained that section 39s provide public services, and that they and their staff should be treated in the same way as mainstream public service health agencies.

Irish-based Stobart Air cabin crew can now apply for the Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme after unions sought and achieved adjustments to the income supplement arrangements.

The earlier scheme left the company unable to fund salary supports. But following the union-led revision of the scheme, cabin crew in the airline can now return to the payroll.

Stobart intends to end the period of lay-offs and place all staff on a retained arrangement from the beginning of May. 

Fórsa official Ashley Connolly welcomed this development. “With Stobart facilitating the wage subsidy scheme, we are pleased to say that all Irish airlines are now offering this support to employees.

“The company has assured us that there will be no changes to retained staff previously agreed, and remuneration will be in accordance with terms of the scheme,” she said.

Adjustments to the subsidy will see increases from 70% of pay to 85% for employees with a previous average take home pay below €412 per week. Staff with a previous average take home pay of between €412 and €500 per week are now eligible for €350 per week.

Stobart management says it will be in touch with employees shortly.

Fórsa has updated its advice on coronavirus-related work issues for civil servants and staff in the wider public service. The advice covers attendance at work (including for pregnant workers and those with health vulnerabilities), salary protections for those self-isolating, temporary staff transfers, childcare and more.  Read it HERE.

Discussions between Fórsa, the education department and the HSE have produced final details of the new service that special needs assistants (SNAs) will provide while schools are closed.

SNAs are to support students who receive HSE disability services through remote working, using telephones, smart phones or laptops.

And they’ll be directed by a HSE clinician – like a speech and language therapist, psychologist or occupational therapist – who’s familiar with the student.

During the talks, Fórsa sought and received guarantees that SNAs would not be reassigned to healthcare assistant roles, for which they are unqualified. They won’t be reassigned to HSE elderly care services either.

Fórsa’s education chief Andy Pike said the reassignments would allow SNAs to play an important role in supporting vulnerable students and families through a difficult period.

“Wherever possible, SNAs will be allocated their own students. Where this is not possible, they may be required to assist new students. Students and families requiring the greatest level of support will be prioritised,” he said.

Get more details HERE.

President Michael D Higgins is to take part in a virtual commemoration of workers who have lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic, as part of a ‘workers memorial day’ event taking place next Tuesday (28^th April).

Workers doing various essential tasks – including cleaners, postal workers, retail staff, nurses and a Dublin firefighter – will also take part in the event.

As part of the commemoration, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is asking all of us to commemorate those who have died by placing a lighted candle in our windows. Unions and their members will also show support for workers in high-risk areas across social media platforms.

Trade unions across the globe commemorate international workers’ memorial day on 28^th April each year. The day acknowledges workers who have lost their lives as a result of workplace accidents.

Fórsa official Dessie Robinson, who is also a part of the Irish organising committee for this year’s event, stressed the importance of the gesture in these difficult times.

“This is a day to commemorate and honour all the workers who have died in the workplace, and the many more who are victims of life-changing injuries at work. This epidemic has had devastating effects on our lives, our society and our economy,” he said.  

Dessie said the ceremony would also raise awareness to the importance of investing in good public health care, and strong health and safety measures for health workers and others who risk their health to protect ours.

“The current crisis has highlighted the importance of protecting the safety, health and welfare of all people, whether at home or in the workplace. ICTU has invited all employers, voluntary organisations, county councils, sporting organisations and community groups to support the social media campaign to mark this day,” he said.

Earlier this week Fórsa sent support to its members in St. Luke’s hospital in Kilkenny, where two staff members died after contracting Covid-19. Over 2,500 health workers have now contracted the virus. Over 25% of the total are health and social care professional grades represented by Fórsa.

Last year, 46 people were killed in workplace accidents in Ireland. Many more suffered life-changing injuries.

Check out the ICTU resource page HERE.

The Executive Council of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions expressed its enormous gratitude to the thousands of workers in all sectors of the economy – private, public, community and voluntary – who continue to provide essential services on the island of Ireland, often at considerable personal risk to themselves.

The Covid-19 public health emergency dominated discussion at the Congress executive, which met via video link earlier this week.

Congress general secretary Patricia King said unions were actively working to ensure that measures – including adequate public health procedures and essential PPE – are put in place in all sectors to ensure that staff are adequately protected.

“Workers in the health service, care homes, retail and other parts of our economy have selflessly put themselves at risk in order to serve their communities and the greater good. We value and admire the exceptional contribution they have made, and are making, during this crisis.

“Congress insists that, at the very least, they should have practical supports in the form of the strongest possible health and safety protections and childcare supports for essential health workers.

“On Monday, Congress also raised with government departments and employer bodies the absolute requirement for workers’ health and safety to be strongly underpinned in all sectors, including construction, when economic activity begins to resume,” she said.

The Congress executive also addressed the massive economic disruption caused by the Covid crisis, and the fact that well over a million people on the island are now dependent on public income supports.

“The crisis has quickly exposed the massive shortcomings in our system of housing and social security, while demonstrating the huge value of our public services, which have rightly won widespread public admiration at this time. We cannot go back to failed policies of the past after this crisis.

“That’s why Congress is now working on detailed proposals to ensure that recovery policies in both jurisdictions on this island are capable of creating a society and economy that’s more secure, more equal, more united, and better prepared for future shocks,” she said.

The Covid-19 pandemic has totally changed the way we live our lives. It’s brought uncertainty, altered daily routines, and added to financial pressures for many. Then there’s the social isolation.

As we continue to fight this pandemic, many of us are experiencing stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness.

We have to find ways to manage our mental health as we navigate our way through this new normal. 

We spoke to HSE clinical psychologist Dr Lasairíona McGuinness, who gave us some useful advice to help us mind our minds during this Covid-crisis. 

Feed the brain

Dr McGuiness explained the impact of completing small tasks or activities each day. “This can increase our sense of being in control, of mastery, and feelings of joy,” she said.

“We’ve excellent problem solving skills and creativity, and we can use these to keep our brains and bodies alive and active.”

Self care

“Feeling anxious is natural during this unsettling and uncertain time. “These feelings may be unpleasant, but it is good to know that we need a healthy amount of anxiety to drive us into action so that we are kept alert, safe and well,” says Dr McGuinness.

She recommends turning these emotions into conversations, and asking for support if needed. “Sharing how we feel with those we trust, and listening to our loved ones, can also have positive effects on our emotion systems,” she said.

McGuinness also emphasises the importance of good diet, exercise and getting good quality sleep during this pandemic. “Do your best to sleep well,” she stresses.

“Make sure to exercise every day, within the government restrictions. Eat and drink healthily every day. Avoid too much alcohol. The occasional treat is fine, but keep unhealthy food as the exception. And avoid recreational drugs”.

Stay connected

In a time of social distancing, it’s essential to find ways to stay in contact with others. Dr McGuinness recommends finding time each day to make virtual connections by email, texts, phone, or apps.

“It’s never been so easy to do this via technology,” she says. “Pick up the phone, set up a video call, write a postcard or letter. Communicating with people we care about will help them, and us, feel better.”

Social media

“It is normal to be curious,” says Dr McGuinness. “For some of us that might mean scrolling endlessly through our social media feeds for news updates, or turning on the television to watch the news at every hour. But if we do too much of this, it can fuel anxiety,” she warns.

Dr McGuinness suggests that we find a balance to stay informed while avoiding rumours.

She recommends reliable news sources like the HSE website, or RTÉ. And she says we should limit our social media time. “This will prevent other people’s fears and worries becoming our own,” she says.

If you’re struggling with your mental health or wellbeing you can get advice HERE and HERE.

Fórsa is here to protect you if you have problems arising from the coronavirus or other workplace issues. The best way to contact the union at this time is HERE.

We will deal with queries as quickly as we can but, needless to say, the union will prioritise cases where members’ jobs and incomes are at immediate risk – as well as any serious health and safety issues that may arise.

Fórsa has cancelled all face-to-face meetings for the time being. The union is redeploying its staff to prioritise engagement with management on proposals arising from the Covid-19 public health crisis, and to provide rapid and efficient responses to members’ queries and concerns.

Fórsa's main phone line (01 817 1500) is now open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively members can use the Contact Us page on the Fórsa website to submit queries directly to the relevant division within Fórsa and this remains the most efficient way to access advice directly.

Wherever possible, Fórsa staff have been equipped to work remotely. Therefore, members should not attend Fórsa offices at this time. If you have a query or concern, the best way to raise it is to contact the union HERE.

Fórsa is keen to ensure that all our members contact details are up to date.

By maintaining your current contact details we can ensure that up-to-the-minute, important information can be delivered directly to each and every member of the union.

This is especially important during the current national Covid-19 crisis. In the past few days we’ve been able to issue a series of special bulletins to members, keeping them in touch with the latest advice and guidelines from the HSE and employers.

However, if any member isn’t receiving this information, it means we don’t have a current email address for them on our system. This could be because they’ve moved departments or changed grades or employment etc.

If this sounds like the experience of one of your colleagues, please share this information with them and let them know we’re encouraging members to update their contact details with us in order to improve our communications service to members.

The union is also experiencing a high volume of members getting in touch with the communications unit directly to change their contact details as a result of new eircom policy taking effect later this month. Those members wishing to change the email address Fórsa contacts them on should also follow the directions outlined below.

It's also worth noting your home email address helps to ensure direct, safe and more effective communications with you than a workplace email address.

To update contact details, visit our website HERE and follow the directions to quickly update them.