Sligo based Information and Communication Technology workers receive Council support amidst long running dispute

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

At the February meeting of Sligo County Council motions proposed by Cllr Declan Bree and Cllr Fergal Nealon calling for the local authority to “support the calls of Trade Union Fórsa for a sector-wide review of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) grading and pay."

The motion mentioned benchmarking ICT roles against other professional groups and public sector bodies where equivalent roles are graded higher, in addition to the establishment of a national CPD (Continuing Professional Development) committee for these workers, a joint body to oversee career paths, training, and skills development, in addition to a nationally agreed framework for out-of-hours work.

Cllr Nealon’s motion called for the Council to “Support for the ICT workforce in all local authorities, who are looking for proper grading, a clear career path and recognition of the responsibilities they carry.”

Addressing the Chamber in relation to his motion Cllr Bree said, “ICT workers carry out important and critical work for this Council and all other local authorities. In this context they are deserving of respect and recognition. “For more than six years, the Fórsa trade union, which represents ICT staff, has sought meaningful engagement with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) on the proper professionalisation of ICT roles within local authorities.

“Despite detailed proposals and report from the union, and even a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) session, there has been no tangible progress.”

Outlining the role played the Fórsa Trade Union thus far, Cllr Bree remarked, “The Forsa union has sought a sector-wide review of ICT grading and pay, benchmarking ICT roles against other professional groups and public sector bodies where equivalent roles are graded higher.

“The union has also sought the establishment of a national Continuing Professional Development (CPD) committee for these workers, a joint body to oversee career paths, training, and skills development, in addition to a nationally agreed framework for out-of-hours work.

“It is generally recognised and accepted that ICT roles, both technical and administrative, have evolved significantly in scope and qualification requirements, yet to date there has still been no evaluation of terms and conditions.” Cllr Bree noted that industrial action was avoided late last month and is hopeful talks will bring a positive outcome.

“As ICT staff were on the verge of taking industrial action in Sligo and nationwide on Wednesday, January 28, the work to rule was paused following an invitation from the Workplace Relations Commission to engage in conciliation talks. The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) also indicated its willingness to enter talks. Hopefully the talks will bring about a resolution of the dispute.

“I believe at this stage that we as local Councillors should make our voice heard in support of the ICT workers here in our Council and nationwide.”

The motion received widespread support amongst the local representatives with Cllr Fergal Nealon and Cllr Thomas Walsh both expressing their desire for a positive outcome.

Cllr Tom MacSharry also gave his backing to the motion saying, “It is very important we as a Councillors show our collective support.”

Paying tribute to the ICT workers in Sligo, Cllr Dara Mulvey said, “The 12 staff here are very obliging. It is good to see talks, that is the only way to get a resolution.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Cllr Marie Casserly who remarked, “Their work is very much appreciated,” while Cllr Ann Higgins stated, “The team are phenomenal.” Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme