Fórsa members' news bulletin - 6th May 2026 - Health and Welfare Members' Bulletin

Fórsa members' news bulletin - 6th May 2026 - Health and Welfare Members' Bulletin - Your union update https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/ en-us 08 May 2026 10:32:54 IST 08 May 2026 10:32:54 IST https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/rss.xml Newsweaver donotreply@forsa.ie (Fórsa trade union) support@newsweaver.ie (Newsweaver) 60 true Fórsa seeks urgent talks over HSE recruitment pause https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/1beerltzh7b?lang=en&rss=true Fórsa has expressed serious concern at reports that the HSE has moved to pause recruitment for non-frontline and non-critical posts in a number of regions, without prior engagement with trade unions. 08 May 2026 12:00:00 IST e898ba611efabbce64980c176985135f Feature Article Niall Shanahan Fórsa has expressed serious concern at reports that the HSE has moved to pause recruitment for non-frontline and non-critical posts in a number of regions, without prior engagement with trade unions. Fórsa has expressed serious concern at reports that the HSE has moved to pause recruitment for non-frontline and non-critical posts in a number of regions, without prior engagement with trade unions.   The union said the move appears to conflict with commitments contained in the 2025 Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreement on the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy, along with a subsequent Labour Court recommendation, both of which require meaningful consultation with unions before such measures are introduced.    Fórsa has consistently argued that efforts to reduce excessive spending on agency staffing and external consultancy costs must be accompanied by increased direct employment within the public health service. The union says a continued overreliance on agency arrangements is costly, unsustainable, and damaging to long-term workforce planning.    Fórsa’s head of Health & Welfare, Ashley Connolly, said the latest development reflected an ongoing failure by HSE management to properly engage with unions on staffing and service delivery issues.  “Yet again the HSE has failed to engage with trade unions and is imposing arbitrary measures which will inevitably impact service delivery.    “We have consistently raised concerns about excessive expenditure on agency staff and private consultants, while directly employed services continue to face staffing pressures and recruitment delays. Restricting recruitment without meaningful consultation is not a sustainable response to the challenges facing the health service,” she said.    Ashley added that Fórsa, along with other unions on the ICTU-led HSE staff panel, have sought urgent engagement with the HSE to clarify the rationale behind the measures and to ensure that existing agreements are respected.    Join a union that wins. <a style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #58585a;" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/mhjoymklbjt/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-canonicalurl="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/5rsglwz6bql/external?lang=en&a=6&p=66576852&t=30063858">Join Fórsa</a>.  2024 PNS lunchtime protests 2024 PNS lunchtime protests https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/2b/e25daf8ac71b9f6cd27fa1.jpg https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/2b/e25daf8ac71b9f6cd27fa1.jpg Strength to strength: Trade Union week grows https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/1fpv0y627pa?lang=en&rss=true Workers pulled out all the stops, with over 130 events taking place around the country. 06 May 2026 12:00:00 IST 5cb1943ad228c5e139ee36cbc2127e55 Also in this issue Brendan Kinsella Workers pulled out all the stops, with over 130 events taking place around the country.  Bigger and better than ever, Trade Union week 2026 saw Fórsa branches organise over 130 events across the country to celebrate the value of unions and worker solidarity.    Branches organised coffee mornings, ice-cream vans, information stands, presentations, gigs, and more. Sharing ice-cream, coffee, and every variety of cake and pastry with fellow members to celebrate the occasion.     The week ran from Monday 27 April to Friday 1st May, with events running daily, and culminated with the Dublin Council of Trade Unions annual May Day march in Dublin.     <img align="center" src="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/9c/c48f7d1e879a60b488c91f.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="501" height="334" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Members talk A Better Deal at MTU Tralee.     This year, for branches covered by the public service pay agreement, the A Better Deal pledge was a key theme, with members taking the opportunity to explain the value of signing the pledge to their coworkers. This approach proved successful given the notable increase in pledge signings in workplaces which hosted events.   In addition to the serious business at hand, members also used Trade Union week to strengthen their bonds with social events.    <img src="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/4b/a62dac75cace6cbdddf89e.jpg" width="550" height="254" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Cork Health and Local Government share coffee and pastries at Cork City Hall, with a visit from President Martin Walsh.   In Cork County Hall, the Cork Health & Local Government branch organised a raffle and a coffee van to provide coffee and pastries for members.  Not only were they blessed with fine weather on the day, but they were also joined by some unexpected special guests.    Branch secretary Cliadhna Dinneen said: “We wanted to give something back to our members, update them on the preparations for the upcoming pay talks, and give them the opportunity to meet their local Fórsa representatives and officials.”    “Luckily, a separate event in City Hall that day meant that we also got to share this with some of our lovely SNA colleagues in the Education Division,” she continued.    <img align="center" src="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/8e/d99a63f4f97c3a07ecb932.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="500" height="341" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> President Michael D and Sabina Higgins opened the May Day Film Festival Galway   In Galway, unions came together to host a film festival over the Mayday weekend. Billed as a “cinematic showing of worker strength” the festival was opened by former President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins.   Three days of films, talks and workshops about the labour movement took place at Nun's Island Theatre and in Áras na nGael. The films screened included We Only Want the Earth: the Life and Ideas of James Connolly (2025); Blood Fruit (2014),  and 9 to 5 (1980). Fórsa member Adam Stoneman explained that when the branch were trying to think of how best to celebrate Trade Union week, they decided to “do it in true Galway style – with a fleadh”.   Elsewhere in the country, the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown (DLR) branch annual Trade Union week event was well attended as always, with over 100 members joining both online and in person.    Folk singer Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin shared a few tunes to open the proceedings.    <img src="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/67/9b54faae00aa4753c80843.jpg" width="333" height="500" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin and his bosca ceoil at Dún Laoghaire Rathdown.   This year the event was themed around the Four Day Week, with Tash Wark, of the Australian Services Union, speaking on the Australian experience and Kevin Donoghue, Fórsa's Director of Campaigns, speaking about the benefits of the Four Day week more generally.    Thomas Earls Fitzgerald, workplace rep for libraries in DLR, said: “The high attendance and level of interest today shows the keen interest in the Four Day Week.”    <img align="center" src="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/8b/18cbb617d0ef479feb78a9.jpeg" style="margin: 0px;" width="500" height="337" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> Clare Health and Local Government make the best of the weather bringing ice-cream to Clare workplaces.   For members in Dublin for the day,  Fórsa held a screening of We Only Want the Earth: The Life & Ideas of James Connolly, in our Nerney’s Court Head Office. The event was well attended with members joining the May Day march directly afterwards.    To wrap things up after the march, the ICTU Youth Committee and the DCTU organised a workers’ social in Cleary’s pub. The night was aimed at increasing youth participation in May Day and in unions more generally.     With standing room only, the event was a roaring success, featuring performances from Jimi Cullen, members of the Bonny Ben, featuring Stefan Murphy, and headlined by local band Fizzy Orange.     <img src="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/21/1b68577c9fd6280db2e93e.jpg" width="551" height="301" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> A big turn out for the Fórsa bloc at this year's May Day march.   Fórsa Youth committee member Bridget Moylan was part of the team who organised the event. She said: “It is really important that events such as May Day aren’t just for those who are already in a union but are also used as a way to attract new members.”    “The gig was a huge success, and we had some great engagement from attendees who came for Fizzy Orange, but left understanding the importance of a union and for some even joining one!” she continued.    Not content to rest on their laurels, both Bridget and the ICTU Youth Committee are already looking toward next year and a bigger, better May Day celebration.    <img align="center" src="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/ec/b8098992a630073114b452.jpg" width="501" height="380" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> There was no holding back on the pastries at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht coffee morning.   For Fórsa’s director of campaigns, Kevin Donoghue, building on past successes is key to increasing the size and reach of Trade Union week year-on-year.    He said, “Trade Union week has grown every year, since we started this three years ago. It really feels like we’re getting into the swing of things. You can see how branches, unions and ICTU are building on the experience gained in previous years, and everyone is starting to develop their own Trade Union week traditions.”    “It’s not just about raising awareness of the value and work of trade unions; it’s also a chance to have a bit of fun and spread the joy of solidarity. More people see and hear about it every year, and then participation increases. It makes you excited for what new surprises next year holds,” he concluded.    <img src="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/ad/2ce3150e30af5a3759950f.jpg" width="502" height="296" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""> A full house at Coimisiún na Meán,   Join a union that wins. <a style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #58585a;" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/1kz6jlpb97v/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-canonicalurl="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/5rsglwz6bql/external?lang=en&a=6&p=66576852&t=30063858">Join Fórsa</a>.  https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/46/05a74a33f3a943c9eaeba9.jpg Upcoming Trainings https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/1rt3fq0sze6?lang=en&rss=true On offer this May. 06 May 2026 12:00:00 IST db86952001ea7cbd4548720c9b2f3e4b Also in this issue Brendan Kinsella On offer this May. As we approach the end of the academic year, the Skills Academy is moving to its summer schedule. The usual abundance of courses will be pared back for the summer months, however Fórsa Induction and Live: Lunch and Learn will continue to take place.     This month Live: Lunch and Learn will explore how to go about protecting yourself and your colleagues from psychological risk in the workplace.   Of the in-term courses remaining in this training year, there are only a few places left available on the Branch Treasurers training taking place in Dublin later this month.     Fórsa Induction - Wednesday 13th May - Online - Open to all new members       A highly beneficial welcome session for our new members. The Skills Academy explains the need-to-knows of Fórsa, how we work, how you fit into it all, what we do for you, and what you can do to become more engaged, have your voice heard locally, and raise issues at divisional and national levels.       There are morning and evening sessions available to fit your schedule. So, if you’re a new member, or looking to become a union activist, make sure to join the Skills Academy for this session.    You can <a title="Register for Fórsa Induction" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/x9hrdhtk0q5/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">register for Fórsa Induction here</a>.   Branch Treasurers training - Thursday 21st May - Nerney’s Court, Dublin    A few places remain on the additional Dublin session of the branch treasurers training. If you’re a new treasurer of vice-treasurer livening in Dublin or able to travel to the city for the day this training is not to be missed.     Learn what you need to do and when. Keep your branch’s finances healthy and save yourself the time and stress of figuring things out as you go.    Live: Lunch and Learn - Psychosocial Risk - Online – 1-2pm Friday 29th May       Join guest speaker Frank Vaughan for a session exploring why psychosocial risks have become such an important issue, and how trade union representatives can seek to protect their members from the health hazards, both psychological and physical, that can arise from psychological risks in the workplace.    Frank Vaughan is the former ICTU head of Health & Safety and former board member of the Health & Safety Authority. He represents ICTU on the ETUC’s Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Committee, is a member of the European Commission’s Advisory Committee on Safety & Health (ACSH)and is a member of the European Trade Union Institute’s Psychological Risks Network.    You can <a title="Register for Live: Lunch and Learn" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/1g8b020xj1g/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">register for Live: Lunch & Learn here</a>.   To register for a course:       Aside from Live: Lunch & Learn and Fórsa inductions, participation on all courses requires sign-off from your branch and official. To apply, contact your branch training officer or secretary if your branch does not yet have a training officer.     Join a union that wins. <a style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #58585a;" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/mujfwsdticf/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-canonicalurl="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/5rsglwz6bql/external?lang=en&a=6&p=66576852&t=30063858">Join Fórsa</a>.  https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/16/ed57bc5d16e7bcd9f11c59.jpg https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/16/ed57bc5d16e7bcd9f11c59.jpg Progress for healthcare workers with Long Covid https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/1qerbu0jtui?lang=en&rss=true Unions representing workers in the health service have welcomed a commitment from Government to review the supports for healthcare workers impacted by Long Covid. 08 May 2026 12:00:00 IST 2f70cf430b9071979be5ab98b0b69070 Articles A Hannah Deasy Unions representing workers in the health service have welcomed a commitment from Government to review the supports for healthcare workers impacted by Long Covid.   Unions representing workers in the health service have welcomed a commitment from Government to review the supports for healthcare workers impacted by Long Covid.     Approximately 150 healthcare workers who caught Covid at work early in the pandemic had been availing of a Special Leave Scheme until last year, when it was discontinued.     On Wednesday 30th April, a union delegation including representatives of Fórsa, the INMO, SIPTU and the IMO, met with an Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D.     In the discussions the Taoiseach confirmed that he has directed the HSE to “use discretion” in relation to the application of the HSE Critical Illness Protocol. This will provide three months of pay to workers, during which period a solution will be sought. The Taoiseach also made a commitment that real engagement should take place in that timeframe.    The group of unions reported that the meeting was positive, and that they “welcome the commitment to reviewing the application of the Critical Illness Protocol to allow further engagement on the substantive issue.”    Head of the Health and Welfare division Ashley Connolly said: “This group of workers cannot be forgotten. They continue to live with the consequences of an illness they contracted while doing their jobs, leading many to suffer long term health and financial consequences.”    “Our meeting with the Taoiseach was positive, however it’s vital that the HSE and the Department of Health are aligned, so that we can make progress on this issue.”    Join a union that wins. <a style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #58585a;" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/7pj3ljgtgh3/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-canonicalurl="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/5rsglwz6bql/external?lang=en&a=6&p=66576852&t=30063858">Join Fórsa</a>.  Source: shutterstock subscription, Sign on HSE offices https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/c4/972a5f96b641cc5507fca1.jpg Unions seek better deal on living costs and working conditions as pay talks approach https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/shjjvwvlcbu?lang=en&rss=true With pay talks expected to begin in a matter of weeks, public service trade unions set the stage for what could become a very politically significant round of pay talks. 06 May 2026 12:00:00 IST 53ca6f167d4899416d487ef9d5ddff79 Articles A Niall Shanahan With pay talks expected to begin in a matter of weeks, public service trade unions set the stage for what could become a very politically significant round of pay talks.     Public service trade unions are preparing for what could become a very politically significant round of pay talks, with negotiations expected to begin “in the coming weeks” ahead of the expiry of the current agreement at the end of June.    Recent media coverage has highlighted growing expectations that unions will seek substantial pay improvements, alongside wider measures addressing the pressures facing public service workers.    In <a title="Irish Times article on pay talks" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/mgz30xap03x/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Irish Times this week</a>, Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said the union side would not simply repeat the approach taken in previous negotiations, warning that workers have experienced a sustained erosion of spending power due to rising living costs and taxation changes that have failed to keep pace with inflation: “We’re not going to sit down with the Department of Public Expenditure at the Workplace Relations Commission and do a deal like we’ve done for the last 15 years,” he said.    Kevin also indicated that any longer-term agreement would need to include meaningful engagement on wider “common-good issues” affecting workers and public services, including housing and remote working arrangements. In the absence of broader progress on these issues, he suggested that only a shorter-term agreement may be realistic.    The current agreement has delivered pay increases worth 10.25% over two-and-a-half years, <a title="Bulletin article on local bargaining claims" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/mrz2phhzerd/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">including provisions for local bargaining</a>, and a final 1% increase due on 1st June. However, unions argue that many workers continue to face rising household costs, fuel pressures, childcare expenses, and housing affordability problems.    The issue of <a title="Bulletin article on protecting workers from fuel crisis" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/bu2dlfrnn0a/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commuting and fuel costs</a> has also become increasingly prominent in recent weeks.    The union’s ‘A Better Deal’ campaign is also expected to shape the backdrop to upcoming pay negotiations. More than 40,000 Fórsa members have now signed the campaign pledge, which calls not only for pay increases above inflation, but also for progress on issues including remote and flexible working, local bargaining claims, housing, healthcare investment, and the wider cost-of-living crisis. The campaign is designed to demonstrate collective strength ahead of negotiations and underline the scale of support for the broader approach to the next agreement.    Irish Congress of Trade Unions President and general secetary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) Phil Ní Sheaghdha has said <a title="Irish Indpendant coverage of impending pay talks" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/dpzobe5ohso/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unions would seek “significant” pay increases</a> and criticised the Government’s slow response to calls for improved mileage rates for nurses and midwives working in the community.    Echoing the broader union position, she said the next talks “must be about more than just pay,” arguing that affordable housing, childcare, and working conditions are now central issues for public servants.    The Government has confirmed that discussions on a successor agreement are due to begin shortly. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is due to address Fórsa delegates at the conference next week in Killarney, where motions on pay and working conditions will be central to the debate.     Join a union that wins. <a style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #58585a;" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/16puhblgt84/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-canonicalurl="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/5rsglwz6bql/external?lang=en&a=6&p=66576852&t=30063858">Join Fórsa</a>.  st steevens hse protest st steevens hse protest https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/50/6365c4c9aa8ec9dcc0323d.jpg Momentum gathers behind A Better Deal https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/10w2rd87oia?lang=en&rss=true Over 42,000 pledges have now been made, but we’re still pushing for more. The more people that sign, the louder our voice will be. 06 May 2026 12:00:00 IST 53cfb7d8297a8a3b3dbba5eb98a761ce Articles A Hannah Deasy Over 42,000 pledges have now been made, but we’re still pushing for more. The more people that sign, the louder our voice will be.    The A Better Deal campaign is gaining momentum as the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 expiry date approaches.    Have you signed? If not don’t delay and <a title="Sign the pledge" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/x6en0kykmdy/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">click here now</a>. If you have already signed, send this link to your colleagues and friends. The more people that sign, the louder our voice will be.    Deputy general secretary Katie Morgan said: “In less than a month over 12,000 more people have signed the pledge. That’s a clear indication that our members are united and serious about what they want out of the next public sector pay deal.”   “Now, we want to keep that momentum going – we need to show our strength in numbers, by encouraging all members covered by the public service agreement to pledge their support for A Better Deal. So if you haven’t already done so, sign the pledge today, and if you have, make sure you forward this to anyone you know covered by the pay deal. It would be a massive sign of strength if we can increase pledge signatures before next week’s Conference.”   The Better Deal pledge calls for pay increases above inflation, protection of flexible and hybrid work, resolution of local bargaining claims, and targeted public investment in healthcare and housing. Since November Fórsa activists and workplace reps have been building collective power in their workplaces by talking to their colleagues about the pledge and collecting signatures. <a href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/tkevrht7ord/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about it here</a>.    Join a union that wins. <a style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #58585a;" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/gditbli70xb/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-canonicalurl="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/5rsglwz6bql/external?lang=en&a=6&p=66576852&t=30063858">Join Fórsa</a>.  https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/bf/7b3c87f0158160101e998b.jpg Biennial Conference 2026 returns to Killarney https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/1lyrc65kct5?lang=en&rss=true Delegates representing members from across the union and the island of Ireland will gather in Killarney next week to undertake the important business of the union's democratic process. 06 May 2026 12:00:00 IST 9c64b3a332604d6e1f790e4226ee7fe1 Articles A Brendan Kinsella and Hannah Deasy Delegates representing members from across the union and the island of Ireland will gather in Killarney next week to undertake the important business of the union's democratic process. Over 750 delegates from more than 200 branches will make their way to the Gleneagle events centre in Killarney next week to take on the important business of setting policy for our union, and electing union officers. Taoiseach Micheál Martin will address delegates on Thursday morning.    Taking place from Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th May, delegates will propose, debate, and vote upon motions which will decide the direction Fórsa will take on a wide array of issues, from pay to remote working to accommodations for disabled workers, to the ethical introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace.    Over the past number of months, at Annual General Meetings held online and across the country, branches have decided upon motions they will be proposing at conference.     National secretary responsible for conference arrangements Catherine Keogh, said: “These motions represent the voices of our members. They set the direction of the union and guide our work on a whole host of issues, so we take great care to ensure each motion abides by the union’s rules and has an opportunity to be debated.”     Last week the final agenda was issued to branches. In addition to over 150 motions, there will also be panel discussions on remote and hybrid work and the common good, as well as speeches by international guests from both the European Public Services Union and Public Services International. Taoiseach Micheál Martin will address delegates on Thursday morning.    General secretary Kevin Callinan said: “The Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 is due to expire in June, so in addition to motions we will also be talking about our strategy as we prepare for public sector pay talks.”    “We’re looking forward to welcoming the Taoiseach to our conference, hearing what he has to say to members and presenting our A Better Deal campaign to him.”    Also on the docket for debate is the Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which will guide Fórsa’s work and growth for the next four years. This will seek to build upon the 2021-2025 plan, which laid out a map for Fórsa’s work over the past four years, guiding our efforts towards growing union membership, delivering for members, increasing the effectiveness of organising and campaigns, and building an even more resilient union.    Biennial conference is also an opportunity to celebrate members’ contributions, with Distinguished Service Awards and the presentation of Honorary Life Membership to a member who has given outstanding service, all presented on stage in the Gleneagle during conference.     The now traditional pre-conference charity cycle is also returning this year. Since 2008, the charity cycle has raised almost €240,000 for charities including cancer research projects and mental health/suicide prevention projects.     Fórsa official Diarmaid Mac a Bhaird urged delegates, officials, and officers alike, to take part and contribute.     He said: “We would hope to see another increase in the number of participants taking part in the cycle this year. You don’t have to be a pro - this is a fun cycle, and you don’t have to do the whole cycle to take part in the event. You can share a bike and do 5-10km, or more. You won’t be left behind as we will all arrive at the conference venue at the same time."   Catherine said: “We’re excited to host our members in Killarney. Biennial conference is a pillar of our union’s democracy. It’s an opportunity for members to speak and be heard. It brings us together and unites us under common ambition, at a time that is very much needed.”    Conference documentation will be available on a website hub on <a href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/1lclpyqm1mo/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forsa.ie</a> next week.   Join a union that wins. <a style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #58585a;" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/337cowlyf8t/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-canonicalurl="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/5rsglwz6bql/external?lang=en&a=6&p=66576852&t=30063858">Join Fórsa</a>.  https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/e1/93f5ff998cc0a26b2d27eb.jpg Red Flag Festival 2026 https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/5o372aysprc?lang=en&rss=true Celebrate Jim Connell and the values of unity and solidarity he embodied throughout his life. 06 May 2026 12:00:00 IST bd7b1131aa2e232c9681a3e277e0609c Articles A Brendan Kinsella Celebrate Jim Connell and the values of unity and solidarity he embodied throughout his life.  This year the Red Flag festival takes place in Navan from Friday 29th to Sunday 31st May, commemorating the life of Jim Connell, a lifelong socialist and union activist. For many he is best remembered as the author of the lyrics of 'The Red Flag', an anthemic song that has united workers worldwide for well over a century.     Among the events planned are talks on James O'Brien and Eva Gore-Booth, a housing panel, and a traditional music and social night at Loughran's Bar, with special guest star Briana Corrigan headlining.     The main commemoration takes place on the Sunday at the Jim Connell Monument in Crossakiel, with addresses from John King, general secretary of SIPTU, Sarah Woolley, general secretary of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, and voices of international solidarity, including Palestinian representatives.    For festival organiser Paul McDonnell the festival is an opportunity for unions and trade unionists to gather in the spirit of international solidarity. An opportunity made especially poignant by the location. Paul said: “The monument stands as a symbol of international solidarity and a reminder of the millions of Irish emigrants who helped build trade unionism worldwide.”    For more information visit <a href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/u98fzu5zns4/external?lang=en">redflagfestival.com</a>, or <a href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/vfulyetgxqs/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visit Eventbrite to book your place</a>.   <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2bLeoYyksqY?si=diaGVd6DhGNTH__L" width="498" height="280" frameborder="0" align="center" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe>   Join a union that wins. <a style="text-decoration-line: underline; color: #58585a;" href="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/19edgw09bi0/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-canonicalurl="https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/5rsglwz6bql/external?lang=en&a=6&p=66576852&t=30063858">Join Fórsa</a>.  https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/63805/26/b52ec3ef2ad0ac33abb610.jpg