In April 2024 the Fórsa National Executive decided unanimously to name the Fórsa Gaeltacht scholarship scheme for members’ children in honour of our former President Jerry King, in recognition of his long service to the union, his friendship and his deep desire to see all of us achieve our potential through access to education.
Jerry was a proud Mayo library worker and was deeply committed to the trade union movement. He gave long service as an activist to the Mayo branch of the union, and as a member of the Local Government & Local Services Divisional Executive of IMPACT trade union, along with serving on the IMPACT CEC.
His proudest achievement was his election as President of IMPACT by delegates in 2014. In his acceptance speech he inspired us to be passionate about what we believed in and encouraged us to stand up for the rights of the workers. Jerry was a person who had deep commitment coupled with high principle. He was always looking out for the marginalised workers.
Jerry also contributed significantly to the formation of Fórsa. Jerry offered comfort to members in the two smaller unions who were joining a much bigger grouping. He assured them that their voice would be heard in the new union.
He also made a significant contribution to the establishment of the education division, by leading the campaign on the political side for the setting up of that division.
He was President of IMPACT at a very difficult time, but he was crystal clear, that no one should be let blame public servants for the economic crisis.
He wore his achievements very lightly. He was simply more interested in what he could do for members.
Jerry was also a member of the first Fórsa National Executive Committee following amalgamation.
In recognition of his contribution to our union this scheme will now be known as the ‘Jerry King Gaeltacht Scholarship Scheme’.
Jerry died on the 6th April 2022.
To apply for the Gaeltacht Scholarship scheme –>
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