Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
405. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the Government's position with respect to industrial action (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39547/23]
View answer422. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will request the LGMA to introduce a job evaluation process in the local Government sector to assist in averting the staffing crisis in our local authorities. [39705/23]
View answer426. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of industrial action (details supplied) that is due to commence across all local authorities regarding the issue of job evaluations; if he will intervene to assist in its resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39716/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 405, 422 and 426 together.
Under the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible and each local authority is an individual employer. The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) provides support to local authority management in this regard.
With regard to the current Forsa-led industrial action relating to a job evaluation claim, I am aware that talks concluded without resolution at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). It was open thereafter for Forsa to utilise the provisions of the Public Service Agreement and / or the State Industrial Relations process. Forsa has, instead, escalated immediately to industrial action which is a matter of concern.
Government has engaged with staff representative associations collectively since the early days of social partnership to reach a decision on multi-annual pay agreements for public servants. The current agreement, Building Momentum, runs to the end of 2023 and provides a 9.5% pay increase over 3 years for most public servants, increasing to 12.5% for lower paid staff. All forms of industrial action are precluded in respect of any matters relating to remuneration or to any matter covered by the Agreement.
I would encourage both parties to use the industrial relations mechanisms available. Any new claims outside of the terms of this agreement can be raised by the Unions in future agreement negotiations, discussions on which are expected to commence shortly and which will be led by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on behalf of Government.
