Civil servants in two key government departments have been directed to increase their office attendance starting next week, a move that has sparked strong opposition from the trade union Fórsa.
Employees at the Department of Finance and the Department of Social Protection have been instructed to work an additional day in the office each week. The decision follows a government review of remote and hybrid work policies within the public sector, as outlined in the Programme for Government.
However, Fórsa has pushed back against the directive, urging its members to continue with their current hybrid work schedules. The union claims that the change violates the 2022 Blended Working Policy Framework, which guarantees ongoing reviews and discussions on hybrid work.
Union Condemns ‘Unilateral’ Decision
Fórsa’s Deputy General Secretary, Éamonn Donnelly, has condemned the government’s decision, calling it an “unilateral action” that disregards existing agreements.
“These changes, which significantly disadvantage workers, are being imposed without prior consultation,” Donnelly stated. “This lack of engagement breaches both the Framework Agreement and the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026.”
The union has warned that industrial action may follow if any civil servant faces disciplinary measures for following Fórsa’s directive. Preparations for a protective ballot for strike action are reportedly underway.
No Consultation or Analytics Used in Decision
Donnelly criticized the Department of Social Protection for failing to justify its decision with data or analytics. According to him, when asked to provide evidence supporting the policy change, the department admitted that no analytical review had been conducted.
“By forcing staff to attend for an extra day without any business rationale, management is arbitrarily imposing new obligations,” he said.
Fórsa has formally escalated the matter to the Department of Public Expenditure, accusing the government of rolling back remote work policies without negotiation.
A Wider Debate on Hybrid Work
The issue has reignited broader discussions on the future of remote work in Ireland. Fórsa argues that hybrid working is crucial for reducing congestion, lowering emissions, and supporting employees with caring responsibilities.
“There was only one real positive from the global pandemic—it proved that remote work can be highly productive,” Donnelly added. “This push for an office return risks undoing progress and returning to outdated work models.”
In contrast, the Department of Social Protection has defended its stance, stating that the Blended Working Arrangements 2025 policy will take effect from February 1. The revised policy mandates:
- At least two days per week in the office for general staff
- A minimum of three days for senior roles (Principal Officer and above)
- A six-month probation period for new hires before they can apply for hybrid work
What’s Next?
As tensions escalate, Fórsa remains firm in its stance, warning that no union should tolerate unilateral changes to employment terms. With potential industrial action looming, the coming weeks could prove pivotal in shaping the future of remote work policies within Ireland’s civil service.
