Fórsa begins public sector ballot over industrial action

Fórsa, the public sector union, has initiated a ballot for over 90,000 of its members working in the public sector to determine if they are prepared to engage in industrial action due to pay concerns. The ballot was prompted by the failure of initial discussions with the government to create a framework for a new deal succeeding the expired Public Service Agreement 2024–2026, which ended in June.

Exploratory talks in June did not offer enough confidence that a new agreement would adequately address the escalating cost-of-living pressures faced by public service workers. The union's national committee has recommended voting in favor of industrial action. The ballot will be open until September 1st. Kevin Callinan, Fórsa's general secretary, stated that the previous agreement has expired and there is no successor in place, leaving no national framework for pay or workplace arrangements.

Public sector workers are currently grappling with rising living costs, and the lack of an agreement creates significant uncertainty regarding how their living standards will be safeguarded in the future. This ballot provides members with an opportunity to express their stance on how to respond, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests are protected.