Fórsa trade union

Proud that we and Irish Congress of Trade Unions are the first union bodies in Europe to pass Ethical Procurement Policies 🇵🇸💚

Learn more in the link below.

The final day of conference was another day of members’ voices ringing loud and clear. Strong motions passed on A Better Deal and A Better Ireland, with a focus on the common good issues – housing and healthcare. "I'm looking at a country where I'm wondering - will there ever be a place for me here?"

Motions passed on AI to protect jobs and reap the benefits for workers and society, and moving testimonies about the impact of abuse and why online safety is a workers’ issue.

Jan Willem Goudriaan, General Secretary of , opened his speech as Gaeilge! "Being an united workforce pits us against the far-right in Europe. We all say - never again to fascism. Never again!"

PSI address by Lima Jamoul, opened by sending Palestinian colleagues’ appreciation for Fórsa’s solidarity, and outlining how your support is building trade unions globally.

Another fantastic panel: Whatever happened to the common good? Fórsa’s Linda Kelly was joined by Dr Tom McDonnell and Lina Jamoul. "Our wages matter but our quality of life depends on more than that. As unions, we can use our power for better policies."

Motions also passed with personal experiences being shared of the hardships of fertility treatments and the need for paid leave, and on increasing paid maternity leave, parental and carers leave. On Health & Safety motions – strong recognition of not just physical but also mental health risks.

“Inclusion is not just about access, it’s about belonging.” Motions on LGBTQIA+ voices and standing with trans workers, on the value added to workplaces by neurodivergent workers and about taking on the scourge of racism and the far-right.

This is how our societies change – union members stepping up and making sure we get A Better Ireland for all.

Delegates, well done! Workers across the public and civil service and the private sector have a clear message for the Government – we want A Better Deal and A Better Ireland!

Day 2 is over, but what a day! opened with a warm welcome to An Taoiseach calling for deeper social dialogue with trade unions and employer groups.

“The public sector pay deal will expire at the end of June and the full implementation of the current agreement, including outstanding local bargaining claims, remains the immediate priority.”

General Secretary Kevin Callinan responded:

“A Better Deal campaign seeks to achieve a new public service agreement that addresses the cost-of-living, resolution of local bargaining claims, policies on flexible and remote work and a shorter working week, and targeted investment in housing and healthcare.

So far, more than 45,000 Fórsa members in the public service have signed a pledge to only support a Public Service Agreement that includes these points.

We saw the fuel protest, and the government’s eventual response. Those who disrupt the most get rewarded. For workers, abiding by industrial relations procedures, the message has not been lost.

So, there is an urgency and a challenge for government. People in this room and beyond know that the current approach isn’t working. And they also know we can do better. That’s why we want ‘A Better Deal’. Because we want and deserve a better Ireland.”

There was also a fantastic panel on two new pieces of research on remote and hybrid working commissioned by Fórsa; see our earlier post outlining the results.

This was followed by motions on the same issue. 55% of Fórsa members surveyed say protecting remote work is their main priority. It’s very clear that as part of A Better Deal and the motions passed today that unilateral decisions won't be accepted.

There were also motions debated and passed on issues such as strong support for A Better deal, outsourcing, assault leave, support for workplace injuries or trauma, grading of roles and grade drift, sick leave, and so much more.

And proud, as always, to stand with Palestinian trade unionists on the Workplace Day of Action.

Remote and hybrid working HAVE to be on the table at the next public service pay negotiations. We demand A Better Deal!

Fantastic panel ongoing at , based on evidence from 19,000 Fórsa members surveyed (by Amárach) and research from Ireland Thinks. The research shows that remote and hybrid working arrangements are now firmly embedded in Irish working life, with workers increasingly viewing flexibility as a standard expectation of modern employment.

The research also challenges assumptions that managers find it difficult to manage hybrid teams, and that return-to-office mandates are necessary to improve efficiency.

Day one of Conference kicked off with a bang, and with a huge announcement that from Kevin Callinan, General Secretary:

“We are stronger than ever before. I am delighted to announce we are now a union of 100,000. And when a union of 100,000 workers speak, Ireland has to listen. This is power.”

Conference started with music that got things going from Liam O Conor; an address by President Martin Walsh "Our democracy is central to who we are. We have three days now to collectively set the direction Fórsa will take over the next two years. This is important work, and I commend you for being here."; motions on pensions - equity and equality, across gender and roles - "Preparing now to provide for the future", Climate change motions where Workers demand A Better Ireland - and part of that has to be a worker-led transition to a low carbon society, paid climate leave and more.

The General Secretary, also gave an update on A Better Deal for workers. "Ordinary things no longer feel ordinary. A moment of hesitancy - can I afford this? And the question, why? Why when I work hard, when I pay my taxes, why can't I afford the basic necessities? And that's what A Better Deal campaign is about."

A very special moment at : An Honourary Lifetime Membership for Vinny Savage, legend, colleague and friend. A lifetime of service well-recognised by all.

And Distinguished Service Awards to:

Recognition awards to Carol McSherry, SNA, North Dublin, North Leinster Branch, David Orford, Local Enterprises Branch, Deirdre Alexander, Laois Local Government Branch, Leo Kennedy, Civil Service No 1, Fergal Bermingham, NSSO Branch, Geraldine McLoughlin, Leitrim Health & Local Government Branch, Gerard Martin, Meath Local Government Branch, Grainne Muldoon, Meath Health Branch, Matt Staunton, State Enterprises No 1, former Deputy General Secretary, Michael Davis, Dublin, North Health & Welfare, Una Murphy, Kildare Local Government

See you all tomorrow, bright and early!

If you're travelling to the Biennial Conference, our Kerry colleagues say to avoid the town centre and to follow the FÓRSA direction signs. Go raibh maith agaibh!

Talks on a new public-sector pay agreement are expected to get under way “in the coming weeks”, the Government has said, with trade unions expected to push for above-inflation pay increases. Read more in comments