Fórsa's Local Government and Local Services division are in the WRC today with the LGMA to discuss the dispute on job evaluaton.

Later this morning Fórsa and other health unions will announce a course of industrial action in the community and voluntary sector, which is due to commence in mid-October.

Elsewhere, Radio Kerry reports that Fórsa is in discussion with local authorities around policy to protect staff in the event of protests. Our colleague Kevin O’Malley said the discussions come in the wake of disturbing far right protests outside the Dáil last week and demonstrations at Tralee library in July.

Meanwhile, DPER papers reported in Saturday's Irish Times claim that while half a billion a year is spent on job creation schemes (Community Employment, Tús and the Rural Social Scheme), there is “limited evidence” they are effective at promoting progression to employment. 

In the Indo Fearghal O'Connor reports on the new deal for Aer Lingus cabin crew, which featured in our Services and Enterprises bulletin on Friday and in the latest edition of IRN.

Finally, employees are being asked to share their experiences of remote and hybrid working by taking part in the annual National Remote Working Survey. The study is being carried out by researchers from the University of Galway and the Western Development Commission.

Zen

For your Zen this morning, I'm very grateful to my newest colleague Hannah for alerting me to the existence of ØXN, a musical side project involving Lankum's Radie Peat, Katie Kim, Eleanor Myler and Lankum sound guru John 'Spud' Murphy. An album is on its way, so for now there is just the single, Love Henry, to whet the appetite. As the autumn deepens its grip, it has a pleasingly dark Samhain vibe to it. I'm all in.

Have a great week.