80k-member union to be largest public sector representative

A planned new 80,000 member union is set to become the largest representative of staff in the public sector.

A fighting fund of €50m to support members in the event of strikes or other industrial action was among the factors argued in support of the amalgamation of three existing unions to create a new organisation called Fórsa.

The vast majority of its members will be civil and public servants who are current members of the Civil, Public and Services Union (CPSU), Public Service Executive Union (PSEU), and Impact. The new union is expected to be formally established in January and requires the approval of the Registrar and Friendly Societies.