Fórsa has lodged a case with the WRC (Workplace Relations Commission) following a decision by management at the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to allow the contracts of seven temporary driver testers to expire, despite record waiting times for driving tests.

RSA management has requested that other driver testers and supervisors meet the demand and bring down waiting lists by working overtime.

Fórsa official Ruairí Creaney commented: “It is difficult to understand the RSA’s decision. Waiting times for driving tests are at an average of 22 weeks – well above the 10-week target as set out in their service level agreement.

“This is further exacerbated by management asking the rest of our members to pick up the slack after deciding to let seven testers go.

“The RSA urgently needs to begin hiring driver testers on permanent contracts in order to ensure the proper functioning of the service and to provide job security for our members,” he said.

Fórsa has been campaigning in recent months to pressure the RSA to bring an end to precarious employment and to increase the number of permanent staff. The campaign has involved a petition, signed by 90% of driver testers, and engagement with TDs on the Oireachtas Transport Committee.

Ruairí added: “The use of temporary and insecure contracts is not acceptable to Fórsa members in the RSA. Not only is it unfair to those workers impacted, but it is also difficult to properly resource the service that the Irish public deserve.”

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