Roscommon rally needs ‘show of strength’

Fórsa members commenced strike action yesterday at Roscommon County Council, and the union is calling upon branches throughout the country to make a show of strength at a rally to support the workers in Roscommon tomorrow (Saturday 23rd June).

The call came after council management strongly implied in media interviews yesterday that the outcome of the dispute – over management’s total ban on flexi-leave in the council – was being closely watched by other local government and public service employers.

Fórsa official Richy Carrothers said: “It’s essential that we have a real show of strength and a good attendance at the march on Saturday. Council management has refused to halt its effective ban on flexi-leave in defiance of two binding Labour Court recommendations, two Labour Court clarifications of its position, and one Labour Court clarification of its clarifications.

The call for support came after council management strongly implied in media interviews yesterday that the outcome of the dispute was being closely watched by other local government and public service employers.

“This injustice requires our solidarity, not least because it has the potential to inspire similar actions by other local authority managers.

“We need to gather together on Saturday to send a strong message back. The stand taken by our colleagues in Roscommon is one they’re taking on behalf of all of us, and we need to show our support,” he said.

The rally will be assembling at the Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon at 2pm.

Fórsa branches are advised that, owing to other events, Roscommon Town is likely to be busy and parking will be limited at the assembly point.
Other parking will be available at the Roscommon Mart or Arts Centre – both on the Circular Road (N61), five minutes away from the assembly point.

For further information please contact Richy Carrothers, assistant general secretary, rcarrothers@forsa.ie.

See also: Facebook event details