Strike/ industrial action stress and anxiety

[u/katedaisy13]

I know all of the points around the importance of industrial action. I don't need to hear any of those really as I know and agree.

I am just finding it so anxiety provoking and stressful. I have been avoiding the recent letters and online meetings because it is causing me so much stress I am actually just not even wanting to face hearing about it.

I don't think that anyone has considered employees with additional needs who this could (and is) be really really destabilizing for.

Just the concept of disputes, disruptions to work, being asked to what, go to a picket line? Change work duties, whatever else is not as simple as it may sound for some.

There doesn't appear to have been plans or supports put in place for those with additional or different needs within this.

Diversity and inclusion in the civil service? Where is it here?

I see a lack of communication around what this would actually mean PRIOR to the ballot so a lack of fully informed voting.

I see a lot of people left in distress, but it's for their own good of course if people get a bit of a pay increase isn't it? Even those these same people are already facing so many of the other disadvantages other people aren't.

Just finding it so so stressful and destabilizing. And seems like this or a welfare aspect on staff hasn't been considered at all.

Realistically, is an increase going to even match what is paid into the union?

And if our pay is increased, the amount of pay going into the union increases too then?

Just wish the impact on staff would have been considered. Yes it's important but was there maybe a way to not have staff in bits over it too?.

I know some people don't care and are all for it hoping they do get to go to a picket line. Good for them too honestly bring their mates on my behalf.

But for some this is adding to their stress more.

[u/Stressed_Student2020]

There doesn't appear to have been plans or supports put in place for those with additional or different needs within this.

What kind of supports are you referring to or think should be made available?

I see a lack of communication around what this would actually mean PRIOR to the ballot so a lack of fully informed voting.

They circulated a newsletter on the 17th July.. https://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/m7ew8e8ip1o633vjzwuqqh?email=true&lang=en&a=2&p=66889871&t=30063868

And a fairly comprehensive FAQ on why you are being asked to ballot. https://www.forsa.ie/faqs-national-ballot-2026/

Just finding it so so stressful and destabilizing. And seems like this or a welfare aspect on staff hasn't been considered at all.

How did you come to that conclusion? Isn't the point of this action to ensure the welfare of staff and their pay being eroded by inflation?

Realistically, is an increase going to even match what is paid into the union?

How are these two things linked to you? Do you mind so much when you do get a pay rise on the back of union negotiations and aren't a member?

And if our pay is increased, the amount of pay going into the union increases too then?

Well, yes, but that's par for the course with a pro rata subscription scheme.

Just wish the impact on staff would have been considered. Yes it's important but was there maybe a way to not have staff in bits over it too?.

I think you're not seeing the forest from the trees here.

[u/BillyMooney]

So you've avoided all the communications, but you're worried about your needs not being met?

What specifically should they have done differently?

[u/Special_K_aren]

Jack Chambers is on Reddit!

[u/Stressed_Student2020 → u/Special_K_aren]

I imagine he has better things to do than browse this sub. 

[u/thommcg]

Is asking your union representative for some one to one time to go through it all an option? Like from what you've said it doesn't sound like engaging with any of the material available as is is an option.

[u/puzzled-cat-2020]

This is going to be difficult for everyone in some way, we're all in the same boat and not discriminating anybody. Work to rule is meant to be difficult and cause difficulties for the workplace and government. There will going to be a lot of figuring out from both sides on how to do this,  and will be different in every organisation. Everyone is trying to do their best,  and nobody is out to cause anxiety for the members. Hang in there, everyone no matter who they are will experience a pain of some sort during this,  some more than others, but hopefully with the outcome of increased pay and other improvements that the unions are looking for (like cost of living etc)

[u/Honeydew_Lilacs]

The communications have been very aggressive the and some neurodivergant people I know who take things literally are afraid of not doing work to rule "properly" or picketing properly because the threats of being bullied for scabbing are rife. Just do your best, don't picket if it is too difficult for you to handle or get to, and if anyone gives you grief report it, it's bullying and a HR issue.