Fórsa members at Oberstown to take part in work stoppage

Fórsa union members at the Oberstown Children Detention Campus are set to participate in an eight-hour work stoppage today, from 9am to 5pm. The strike is a result of an ongoing dispute concerning resourcing and safe staffing at the campus. This is the second in a series of weekly work stoppages, with additional actions planned on August 18 and August 25.

The industrial action was approved by a union ballot in May, which allowed for actions up to and including a complete withdrawal of labor. Oberstown staff have been engaged in a work-to-rule action since June 25. Negotiations between union representatives and management at the center have been unable to reach an agreement on key issues.

The union expressed frustration at the lack of representation from the Department of Children during discussions. Fórsa national secretary Hazel Nolan emphasized that safe staffing has been a long-standing concern for staff, and that members seek a lasting solution. Both parties agree that staff safety and the safety of young people in Oberstown are inseparable.

However, talks have stalled because Oberstown is unwilling to include crucial elements of Fórsa's claim in the business case submitted to the department. These elements include addressing recruitment difficulties faced by the service. Management asserts that these issues should be addressed independently through local bargaining.

Fórsa, however, stated that they cannot proceed when they are aware from the start that the claim cannot be resolved. The union stated that their members need a genuine, long-term solution to safe staffing, and that is what they will continue to pursue.