Civil servants in two departments won't increase number of days in the office as talks to take place

The Fórsa union has initiated discussions to address a dispute involving changes from the Department of Social Protection and Department of Finance that require staff to work an extra day weekly, starting February 1. While the departments assert they have shared and altered policies based on union feedback, Fórsa claims they were not adequately consulted in the decision-making process, claiming the new arrangements violate previous agreements. Fórsa is preparing for a potential industrial action if disciplinary measures are taken against members adhering to current working instructions.

These changes, which significantly disadvantage workers, are scheduled to be introduced during the first week in February. No prior consultation or discussion took place with Fórsa.

A number of changes were made at the request of the unions, the spokesperson said. But Fórsa claims it was not consulted on the changed working arrangements before they were decided.

Read at Irish Independent