Fórsa Members at Oberstown to Take Part in Work Stoppage

Fórsa union members at the Oberstown Children Detention Campus are scheduled to take part in an eight-hour work stoppage today, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This industrial action is a direct result of a continuing dispute concerning resourcing and safe staffing levels at the facility.

This planned stoppage marks the second in a series of weekly work stoppages, with further actions anticipated on August 18 and August 25. The ongoing industrial action follows a ballot of Fórsa members concluded in May, which overwhelmingly supported industrial action, including the possibility of a full withdrawal of labor. Staff at Oberstown have been engaged in a work-to-rule action since June 25.

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We agree with management that staff safety and the safety of the young people in Oberstown are inseparable.

Negotiators from the union and management at the center have so far been unable to reach an agreement on key issues. Fórsa expressed frustration over the absence of a representative from the Department of Children at recent talks. Hazel Nolan, Fórsa national secretary, highlighted that safe staffing at Oberstown has been a "long-standing concern" for employees, who are seeking a "lasting solution."

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Unfortunately, talks have broken down because Oberstown is refusing to include key elements of our claim in the business case going to the department. This includes measures to address the recruitment difficulties facing the service.

"We agree with management that staff safety and the safety of the young people in Oberstown are inseparable," Nolan stated. "Unfortunately, talks have broken down because Oberstown is refusing to include key elements of our claim in the business case going to the department. This includes measures to address the recruitment difficulties facing the service."

Management contends that these issues should be addressed separately through 'local bargaining.' However, the union points out that the allocated budget for local bargaining is insufficient to resolve the problems. "Fórsa cannot enter a process when we know from the outset that it cannot resolve the claim," Nolan added. "Our members need a genuine, long-term solution to safe staffing, and that is what we will continue to pursue."

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Fórsa cannot enter a process when we know from the outset that it cannot resolve the claim. Our members need a genuine, long-term solution to safe staffing, and that is what we will continue to pursue.