The Tourism Regions were established in 1963 and ten years later the Regional Tourism Staff Association was formed and staff became members of the LG&PSU -Local Government & Public Services Union  Trade Union as it was known at the time.

It was not well received by Management but 95% of Regional staff signed up.  We were very fortunate to have Mr. Philip Flynn as our representative who took up our cause and conditions certainly improved as a result.

When tough decisions had to be taken the Regional Staff were not found wanting. Staff had a work to rule regarding unsocial hours in  July, 1979. After two weeks Management initiated talks and a deal was brokered.

The Union has had excellent Chairs, Secretaries, Treasurers and Committee members in each of the branches over the past forty Years, all of whom contributed huge amounts of their energy as did the National Committee.   Displaying  integrity and leadership qualities when taking up relevant issues with Management and the Personnel Department of the day.

Today it is tremendously important for staff in the regions to be members of the Fáilte Ireland Union branch. You pay insurance companies to look after health issues and one does also need insurance to look after job issues!