Fórsa official Tony Martin has issued an end-of-year update to members working in Tusla on a number of key issues impacting members in the workplace. 

Tony said: “Tusla members are facing many challenges at the moment. We have been working hard to resolve them, and thanks to the support and the engagement of members over the past few months progress has been made in some areas.   

“As we approach the Christmas break, I wanted to take a moment to share an update on a few high-level matters and, most importantly, to thank our representatives for everything they have done throughout the year, as they tirelessly advocate on behalf of their colleagues. 

Recruitment of new Tusla members into Fórsa this year is almost at four hundred, which raises union density to over 70%.  

Tusla Reform 

Members are aware that Tusla had designated the 1st of January as the commencement date for implementing the new team structure as part of the reform.       

Following the intervention of Fórsa, Tusla has issued written confirmation that there will be ‘no cliff edge’ on 1st January, and that outstanding matters will continue to be discussed past that date.  

We will continue throughout 2026 to robustly represent the views of our members, as we navigate these challenges.   

Job Evaluation Scheme   

On 25th November, the Labour Court issued its recommendations on the Tusla Job Evaluation Scheme. The health and welfare divisional executive committee has since considered the recommendations and decided to write to the employer seeking a meeting to discuss the contents of the recommendations. That letter issued to the employer on the 5th of December.  We will of course keep members updated.   

Aftercare Review 

Following an aftercare review meeting on 25th November, joint chairs John Smith and Christina Carney, have agreed to finalize their report.  Tony reassured members that it will only take a few weeks to finalize, saying: “We’re hopeful of a favourable outcome. I would like to say thanks to the workplace representatives who continually represented members in aftercare throughout this process.” 

Violence and aggression in the workplace.

This is a significant issue for members in Tusla as well as those in community and residential settings, among others.  A survey will be issued in the new year to gain a clearer picture of the issue. 

Tony said: “We appreciate this can be an upsetting and indeed sensitive matter for members, so we have compiled the survey questions with great care, to treat the issue with the delicacy it deserves. Nonetheless, I urge members to complete the survey when it issues as we really need to know the scale of the challenges faced by members.”  

Finally, although 2026 will present challenges, the strength and unity of our members will enable us to continue representing and advocating on their behalf as we work together over the next 12 months. 

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