Fórsa backs indefinite strike action in a number of community and voluntary sector health services Union leader slams ‘foot-dragging’ approach of Government to addressing pay and conditions inequality Fórsa’s national executive has backed a proposal for indefinite strike action in a number of community and voluntary sector agencies funded by the HSE. The action is likely to involve hundreds of health and care staff, in a number of agencies selected by the union. The union has also committed to footing the wage costs of striking staff. ‘Section 39’ agencies provide a range of residential and day services for people with […]

An excellent article from the Socialist Voice website in explaining the Industrial Relations Act. The Industrial Relations Act (1990) was introduced on 18 July 1990, replacing the Trade Disputes Act (1906), the main principle of which was that anything done in a trade dispute, provided it was not illegal in itself, would be free from criminal and civil liability. The 1990 act was introduced as a control mechanism on trade unions. It was a response to equivalent legislation being introduced in Britain because of increasing levels of industrial unrest and strikes, as dissatisfaction rose during the 1970s and 80s when […]

Dr Laura Bambrick explains what workers need to know about their new legal right to be paid sick pay if they are too unwell to work. Up until New Year’s Day 2023 Irish employment law did not require employers to pay their staff when absent due to illness or injury. Sick pay was treated as a perk of the job that employers had the power to decide whether or not to include in a contract of employment.  As a result, half of the workforce, over one million workers, are not covered for paid sick leave in their terms and conditions.  […]