Fórsa has condemned protesters who have been entering libraries, harassing library workers, and attempting to remove books they deem to be “inappropriate” for children.
Fórsa has condemned protesters who have been entering libraries, harassing library workers, and attempting to remove books they deem to be “inappropriate” for children.
The protesters claim that LGBTQ+ books promote ‘gender ideology and pornography’ and violate child protection legislation. They have advised followers to enter public libraries, ask librarians to show them LGBTQ+ books in the aged 12-17 section and take photos of relevant books with “inappropriate” reading materials which “violate” the Children First Act (2015).
Head of Local Authorities Richy Carrothers said the abuse and harassment of public library staff was “absolutely unacceptable”.
Earlier this week the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which manages public libraries, issued library staff with instructions to secure buildings, alert Gardaí and avoid commenting to the media in response to rising numbers of protesters seeking to remove books.
A spokesperson for the LGMA said they were aware of protests and that some library authorities have had to provide additional support to their staff as a result, including information on how to deal with such incidents and how to protect their wellbeing.
Richy supported the public library workers, saying “they should be applauded - not abused”.
“Libraries represent community hubs for social integration – cultural, educational and academic learning. They are places of critical connection for many. They should be places free from harassment and intimidation for both staff and users,”
We proudly represent hardworking library staff. They do integral work, including creating inclusive communities. We support our dedicated members and won't accept any intimidation of our members in their workplaces!” he said.
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The Work-Life Balance Bill was signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins this week. ICTU unions welcomed the Government delivering on its commitment to a new workers’ right to request remote work.
ICTU described the new law as “important legislation delivers a suite of measures to make it easier for workers to combine their professional and personal lives.” The legislation includes improvements to support working parents and carers balance paid work with family care, necessitated to give effect to EU law.
The Bill was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas at the end of March, following extensive work by the cross-union ‘Make Remote Work!’ campaigning group.
The Government’s draft legislation, published in June 2022, attracted huge criticism from Fórsa and other unions, as well as labour law experts and others.
The Bill introduces a new workers’ right to paid leave for victims of domestic violence. However, the legislation only provides for five days of domestic violence leave.
Fórsa wrote directly to the Minister in February 2023, urging him to consider positions on this expressed by several senators at the Seanad Committee Stage debate.
Fórsa has nevertheless committed to working with other trade unions to collectively bargain to secure 10 days paid leave for workers who need to avail of domestic violence leave.
ICTU general secretary Owen Reidy said: “Improved family leave and flexibility on when and how we work is good for workers and families.
“It is good for businesses that get to retain valuable and often highly-trained staff. It is good for society and for the economy too. It will help close the gender gaps in caring, pay, and pensions. It is a win-win.
“Ireland is leading the way in bringing in paid leave for workers who are victims of domestic violence. However, if this new law is to do what is intended, workers must be paid their full wages during absences. Anything less risks putting them in further danger.
“It’s disappointing that the leave is for only five days. Unions will continue to collectively bargain workplace agreements – all of which provide for 10 days paid leave. Our campaign to win full flexibility for all workers continues,” he said.
ICTU policy officer Laura Bambrick said a great deal will depend on the Code of Practice which now to be worked out between the various parties at the WRC. The Bill requires an employer to consider their own needs, those of the employee making the request and the terms of the code when weighing up applications.
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Fórsa’s Cork Health and Local Government branch has donated Easter eggs to the children’s ward at Cork University Hospital and The Mercy Hospital, Cork.
Fórsa’s Cork Health and Local Government branch has donated Easter eggs to the children’s ward at Cork University Hospital and The Mercy Hospital, Cork.
The branch also made sure to acknowledge the hospital workers, with treats also presented to the ward staff.
Fórsa organiser Paul Walsh praised the branch for this initiative, and said the branch was supporting hospitals in Cork as part of their branch community engagement work.
“The branch organised an excellent drive to acknowledge those in hospitals over the Easter, both working and as patients. Industrial relations will always be at the forefront of what we do, but we’re a community organisation and initiatives like this bring that home,” he said.
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Fórsa is supporting research examining the workplace experiences of people and their partners who have experienced early pregnancy loss and is encouraging members to take part in a survey to assist with this.
Fórsa is supporting research examining the workplace experiences of people and their partners who have experienced early pregnancy loss, and is encouraging members to take part in a survey to assist with this.
As part of this project, the research team would like to hear from people and their partners experienced a pregnancy loss, whilst in paid employment, in the last five years. (A pregnancy loss can include ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or miscarriage, before 24 weeks’ gestation.) You can take part in the survey here.
Fórsa has previously called for the introduction of a reproductive health leave scheme to support members managing early pregnancy loss, fertility treatments and other reproductive health related matters, after delegates at Fórsa’s national conference unanimously backed a motion in support of reproductive health leave last May.
Fórsa national secretary and equality officer Ashley Connolly said that for far too long, both women and men have had to remain silent in their workplaces about the grief of pregnancy loss or reproductive health matters.
“We know our members are using sick leave and annual leave to try to manage reproductive health issues, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety. This is a workplace issue, we should afford empathy and dignity to those going through this experience, supporting workers when they need it the most,” she said.
To date, the PLACES Project has reviewed international legislation to see what laws other countries have around leave from work following pregnancy loss and have reached out to some companies in Ireland to find out about their policies regarding pregnancy loss. To add to their knowledge and understanding of what kind of leave or other supports are needed, they are participants to share their workplace experiences of pregnancy loss.
National secretary Linda Kelly the research provided a great starting point to have conversations around workplace supports.
“This is a workplace issue and we must afford empathy and dignity to those going through this experience and ensuring accommodation is made for workers at this time,” she said.
Fórsa’s Róisín McKane acknowledged the difficulty and sensitivity of navigating early pregnancy loss in the workplace.
“Eary pregnancy loss is a hugely sensitive and difficult matter that many navigate in silence. We trust that this research will highlight early pregnancy loss as a workplace issue,” she said.
Ashley called on members to take part in this vital research.
“It is crucially important for employers to support workers when they need the most. This survey will help shape these supports and change how we think about reproductive healthcare in Ireland,” she said.
Over 150 delegates from trade unions across the island gathered in Dundalk for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ (ICTU) seminar to mark International Women's Day.
Over 150 delegates from trade unions across the island gathered in Dundalk for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ (ICTU) seminar to mark International Women's Day.
A wide range of speakers under the broad theme of ‘Women Demanding a better deal’ contributed to the event, including ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy, who outlined his priorities for the movement into the future.
The event also heard from a range of speakers such as Ethel Buckley (SIPTU) on the challenges of converting positive attitudes to unions into membership and taking advantage of upcoming changes in the legal framework governing collective bargaining.
Other speakers were Taryn Trainor on UNITE's Regina Coeli campaign, Sorcha Tunney from the Irish Coalition on Business and Human Rights, Vanessa Paszkowska, Peer Researcher and Jenny Liston, Roma Programme Coordinator, Pavee Point on the experience of Roma in the labour market, as well as Councilor Alison Gilliland on gender and climate action.
The seminar also marked the Work Life Balance Bill passing the final stages in the Oireachtas, but noted that the leave must go farther than its current form to truly support survivors of domestic abuse.
Responding to the passing of the Work-Life Balance Bill by both Houses of the Oireachtas, Irish Congress of Trade Unions general secretary Owen Reidy said: “This important legislation delivers a suite of measures to make it easier for workers to combine their professional and personal lives.
Mr. Reidy said Ireland was leading the way in bringing in paid leave for workers who are victims of domestic violence.
“However, if this new law is to do what is intended, workers must be paid their full wages during absences. Anything less risks putting them in further danger,” he said.
“It is disappointing that the leave is for only 5 days. Unions will continue to collectively bargain workplace agreements – all of which provide for 10 days paid leave,” he added.
Also at the Seminar, the cross-union ‘Make Remote Work!’ campaigning group welcomed the Government delivering on its commitment to a new workers’ right to request remote work, after a previous false dawn.
“The campaign to win full flexibility for all workers continues,” Mr. Reidy said.
There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.
Fórsa members working in local authorities have been asked to vote yes in a for a ballot on industrial action in pursuit of an independent job evaluation scheme.
Fórsa members working in local authorities have been asked to vote yes in a for a ballot on industrial action in pursuit of an independent job evaluation scheme.
The online ballot kicked off on Thursday 30th March 2023, and all members directly employed in city or county councils are eligible to vote. An email containing a ‘unique voter code’ and directions on how to vote was sent last week. If you haven't yet received these details, please contact lgaction2023@forsa.ie.
The union has long sought a local authority job evaluation scheme like the one that operates in the HSE and the education sector. Job evaluation is an established tool that allows the knowledge, skills and responsibilities associated with individual jobs – rather than grades or staff categories – to be assessed and appropriately rewarded.
“We know that many staff working in local government are frustrated and want equity and fair treatment, similar to other large parts of the public sector. Encourage your colleagues to stand up and help us win a better deal by voting yet in this ballot. If you’re not yet a member don’t leave yourself out in the cold – join Fórsa today and stick together with your colleagues and workmates,” he said.
The decision to ballot for industrial action was backed by a unanimous decision of the Local Government and Local Services Divisional Executive Committee last month. In the video below, members of the DEC urge members to be counted and vote yes.
Fórsa has advised members to read the job evaluation FAQ document and you can contact the union here with further questions. Members can vote here.
Applications are now open for the 2023 Fórsa Gaeltacht grant scheme, which will make 80 grants of €150 each available to assist children of Fórsa members attending residential Irish language courses in Gaeltacht areas this summer.
A further 40 grants of €70 are available to assist children to attend day-only Irish language courses held outside Gaeltacht areas.
Children of Fórsa members, who are aged between 11 years and 18 years of age on 1st July 2022, are eligible to apply for the grant scheme. You can download the application form HERE.
Please download the form to a folder on your device prior to filling it out.
If you cannot use the fillable form online please print the form, complete it in black pen and return it to:
General Services Committee,
Gaeltacht Scheme,
Fórsa, Nerney’s Court, Dublin 1,
D01 R2C5.
It should arrive before 5.30 PM on Thursday 1st June 2023.
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the Rail Marine and Transport Union (RMT) will give the keynote address at the Robert Tressell Festival at Liberty Hall on Saturday 6th May.
Noonan was born in Dublin but wrote the semi-autobiographical book under the name Robert Tressell while living and working in Hastings in England. He died in Liverpool in 1911, and the book was first published in 1914.
Union leader Mick Lynch has become something of a household name in the UK over the past year as the RMT has been involved in a number of high-profile disputes with industry employers.
The son of two Irish parents, Lynch has spoken previously of the influence of the book and its author on his political development.
Lynch will be introduced by Phil Ní Sheaghdha. Phil is general secretary of the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (INMO) and currently serves as Vice-President of ICTU.
As a classic of working-class literature, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, sometimes known as the “Painters’ Bible,” is credited with influencing the election of a transformational Labour Government in Britain in 1945.
The day-long festival will include seminars on various subjects, including the life of Noonan, trade union responses to immigration and integration, and the organisation of low-paid workers.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), along with the Government, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), IBEC, the CIF and NISO will collectively mark Workers’ Memorial Day Ireland on April 28th.
The annual commemorative event, which takes place at the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, Dublin 1 from 10.30am, remembers those killed, injured, made ill and bereaved through work-related accidents.
Congress Assistant General Secretary Owen Reidy will be joined by Mark Cullen, interim CEO of the Health & Safety Authority, and Minister Neale Richmond TD who will lay a wreath on behalf of the State to remember those workers we have lost.
In Ireland in the ten-year period between 2013 and 2022, 461 people died in work-related incidents and many thousands more were severely injured or made ill. In 2022 alone, 27 people died in work-related incidents.
Fórsa said these were unacceptable figures which can be reduced through a combined and intensified effort by all concerned. By working together and promoting the practice of safety and health in workplaces throughout Ireland we can achieve a significant drop in these dreadful numbers. “We all have a responsibility to make sure that happens,” the union said.
Workers representing a variety of sectors will also lay flowers in memory of those who have been killed, injured or made ill at work. The important occasion also collectively recommits to making workplaces safer.
Global figures show that a worker dies at least once every ten seconds. Even more are left with life-altering injuries and illnesses because their employer did not protect them.
Workers’ Memorial Day presents an important opportunity to remember and to consolidate everyone’s focus around a single day with the single message that workplace deaths are preventable.
There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.
Latest research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) revealed the migrant labour market was greatly affected by the pandemic and its health measures, compared to other groups of workers.
The research finds while the employment rate among migrant workers was above that of Irish-born workers, 77 per cent and 72 per cent respectively, the unemployment rate sharply increased for migrant workers from 5.8 per cent to 9.1 per cent in the first year of Covid.
Another concerning discovery of the report finds migrants to be at a greater risk of poverty, while also facing more barriers in accessing affordable housing.
The report's lead author Dr Frances McGinnity said "This report shows that migrants in Ireland have employment rates and levels of education that exceed those of the Irish-born population, with certain groups such as African migrants showing particular progress,"
"Nevertheless, Ireland faces substantial challenges in integrating those that come to live here, particularly in areas that are currently under substantial pressure," she said.
Dr McGinnity also highlighted the particular challenges faced in the area of housing, stating the group was "disproportionately concentrated in private rented accommodation and facing affordability challenges".
"Measures to address major current challenges in the Irish housing market are urgently needed to improve this situation," she added.
There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.
Fórsa members can now save 50% on their AA Roadside Rescue plan, through a new and exclusive union negotiated scheme.
This new AA Roadside Rescue offer provides for 24/7 roadside breakdown assistance in Ireland and the UK for just €6 a month, and will provide cover whether driving or as a passenger.
This new offer can be accessed exclusively through this portal.
