NEWSFLASH 7 - PUBLIC SECTOR CAMPAIGN, 6.00 p.m. - Tuesday, 1st December 2009

From:  Liam Doran, General Secretary

FOR THE ATTENTION OF ALL INO MEMBERS 

Dear Member

As you may be aware the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has decided to defer the day of industrial action scheduled for Thursday, 3rd December 2009, and all members should, therefore, report for work as normal.

The decision to defer was taken in the context of the current discussions with government, which are ongoing, and the assessment of progress made to date, in these negotiations.

The key elements of the negotiations include:

1. Acknowledgement of the contribution made to date, by the public servants, (including nurses and midwives) arising from:

*  the pension levy;
*  the pay freeze; and
*  the recruitment embargo.

2. The need for an agreed programme of transformation, for all areas of the public service, which would address the changed financial environment in a manner which protects employment, pay and pensions.

3. The nature and form of a temporary arrangement, for 2010 only, which would address the government’s requirement to reduce the public sector pay bill by €1.3 billion in 2010.

The approach to this issue, to date, has involved a defined period of unpaid leave but this matter is still under further discussion.

You will undoubtedly see and hear many things in the media about these discussions but, on behalf of the Executive Council, I would ask you to await the final outcome of these discussions, at which time you will be provided with the full details of whatever proposals finally emerge, which address the three areas identified above. 

It is expected that the negotiations with government will continue for the next two/three days and these discussions recommence this morning, Wednesday, 2nd December 2009, at 10.00 a.m.

The INO’s Executive Council will meet next Monday and Tuesday, 7th and 8th December 2009, to consider whatever final position emerges from this process and we will advise all members of further developments on an ongoing basis.

Thank you for your attention to this note and, in particular, for your loyalty, commitment and solidarity at this difficult time.

With kind regards and best wishes.

Yours sincerely

LIAM DORAN
General Secretary