Irish youth detention staff begin work stoppages over safety concerns

Fórsa union members at the Oberstown Children Detention Campus in Ireland have initiated a series of work stoppages, beginning with a six-hour action on August 4, 2026. The union cites ongoing disputes over resourcing and safe staffing as the primary reasons for the industrial action, stating that current conditions compromise the health and safety of both residents and staff.

Deirdre O'Connell Hopkins, assistant general secretary of Fórsa, emphasized that the goal is to achieve safe staffing levels. She indicated that the industrial action, which began after a work-to-rule action in late June, will continue indefinitely until these safety concerns are resolved. The union has notified Oberstown management of further planned stoppages on August 11, 18, and 25, with increasing durations.

O'Connell Hopkins noted that Fórsa has reserved the right to escalate the action further, potentially including additional work stoppages or a complete withdrawal of labor. However, she stated that union representatives remain open to meeting with management to resolve the dispute. The union previously engaged in talks at the Workplace Relations Commission in June, but found management's proposals insufficient to address the safety issues.

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Safe staffing is the goal here. Until that’s achieved, the health and safety of residents and staff continue to be compromised.