NIPSA Reports N SPECIAL EDITIO BLIC DEFENDING PU PAIGN SERVICES CAM
THE NEWSPAPER OF THE LEADING PUBLIC SERVICE TRADE UNION
DSD SOFT SERVICES PROTEST
November 2013 Tel: 028 90661831 www.nipsa.org.uk
DSD PRIVATISATION AGENDA SLAMMED NIPSA members protest at outsourcing of shared services threat at DSD HQ in October. See story below and also ‘NIPSA continues to campaign to stop removal of DSD Soft Services’ - on page 4
THE Department for Social Development Trade Union Side organised another rally in October as part of their ongoing campaign against the privatisation of DSD support grades function. DSD Departmental Committee Chair Billy Lynn, addressing the well-attended protest outside department’s Lighthouse Building headquarters in Belfast, described the decision as “appalling”. He pointed out that members in the support grades had worked over many years with “diligence, commitment and dedication” but
yet had seen their reward “being thrown on the scrapheap of privatisation by an uncaring and unfeeling management”. NIPSA President Patrick Mulholland, expressing the support of the entire union for members at the DSD, claimed privatisation was part of a wider campaign being pushed by the Westminster government. He said there was an ongoing fight against privatisation throughout the entire union. In particular, Mr Mulholland cited the Exploris dispute in Portaferry as well as the threat to DVA jobs
in Coleraine. Lawrence Huston, of the Communication Workers Union, also spoke at the rally. He pointed out that a ballot of CWU members over industrial action concerning jobs and pay as well as the Royal Mail sell-off was set to be announced. Mr Huston brought greetings from the CWU to NIPSA members at the DSD and called on all unions to work together to try to oppose privatisation, outsourcing and the attack on working people’s living standards.
NIPSA has been working with the Linenhall Library’s new Director Julie Andrew with a view to dealing with ongoing historic issues. These include updating policies and procedures and introducing updated job
descriptions as well as looking at a review of the staffing structure at the library. A particular success for NIPSA and its members have been the agreement and endorsement by the Board of Governors to pay staff the £250
payment for two years for those on £21,000 or less (pro rata) before the end of 2013. A NIPSA source said: “Members are delighted at this result and NIPSA continues to work with management for members’ benefit.”
NIPSA hails Linenhall Library success Visit http://www.nipsa.org.uk AND give a like to our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @nipsa
Resisting austerity and attacks on working people
THIS supplementary edition of the special NIPSA Reports has been necessitated by the need to highlight other critical activity by the union in support of members and will also demonstrate how the issues the union is involved in can sometimes accelerate within a period of weeks and days. This publication therefore covers issues such as the NIPSA campaign to stop the privatisation of Soft Services in the Department of Social Development as well as the negative outcomes arising from privatisation of services such as the Medical Referee function. The potential abolition of the Northern Ireland Consumer Council also features in this publication. So also does the support given by NIPSA on behalf of members involved in whistleblowing in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. It also provides the union with an opportunity, in snap-shot form, to present an update on some of the issues on which we have recently reported. The progress of our campaigns – for example, in Driver Vehicle Licensing, Derry City Council compulsory redundancies, Civil Service Pension Administration privatisation and Exploris Aquarium – are reported on in this publication. NIPSA has recently published a ‘Statement to Members’ that provides a coherent explanation of the cause and nature of the economic and financial threats which confront members, their families and the communities in which they live. This document is designed to promote discussion within the union so that we may all share views about how we best organise ourselves to protect public services and members’ interests. I recommend all members read the ‘Statement to Members’ available on: http://www.nipsa.org.uk/NIPSA/media/NI PSA/PDFs/Banner%20Direct/RefA4_0095.pdf The range of activity outlined both in this and earlier special editions of NIPSA Reports will hopefully demonstrate to all public servants and staff working in the community and voluntary sectors as well as those with whom we work within the community generally why NIPSA is determined to resist austerity and attacks on working people. Brian Campfield General Secretary
DRIVE TO SAVE VEHICLE LICENSING ROLLS ON
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LOCALS queued up in their droves recently to sign the ‘Save the DVA’ petition in Coleraine underlining massive local opposition to any attempt to move vehicle licensing out of the town. To highlight the issue, NIPSA had set up a stall at the Speciality Market in the Diamond on October 15. More than 26,000 people have signed to date and, as a NIPSA source pointed out, “the DVA staff are not finished yet!” NIPSA has – at the request of local politicians, Council officials and business representatives – also set up a steering committee and working group to run the drive against closure. New campaign materials have been produced with 20,000 leaflets, hundreds of posters and special tax disc holders already distributed. A short film featuring interviews with business representatives, the Mayor and Council Chief Executive has also been made. There is a particular focus on the Causeway Coast area, already badly impacted by the economic vandalism of austerity. Campaigners claim the area will not withstand another hit if the DVA centre closes. The short film is to be shown to the Minister for Roads, Robert Goodwill MP, when NIPSA and a cross-party delega-
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tion meet with him in Downing Street in November. The surge of popular support against the move has pushed the threat of closure to the top of the political agenda and First Minister Peter Robinson recently raised it with PM David Cameron. It has already become apparent that the closure of local offices in England, Scotland and Wales and the centralisation of all vehicle licensing functions in Swansea has severely damaged the service. A NIPSA source said: “This is the argument that must be won here if we are to defend the jobs. It is not too late to reverse a discredited and short-sighted transformation process and the united front headed up by NIPSA are aiming to do just that.”
NIPSA slams spate of bomb alerts
NIPSA have condemned a recent spate of bomb alerts impacting on schools. Schoolchildren have – not for the first time – found themselves in the frontline as paramilitaries targeted local communities in Lurgan and Holywood. Assistant Secretary Paddy Mackel said: “Children and young people attending school, and, in particular, those with special education needs, should be able to do so in a welcoming, safe environment. “They are not just our future but also our present as they represent the innocence of growing up, the enthusiasm of young learners and a reminder that the whole community bears a responsibility to ensure that prejudice, intolerance or hatred have no place in our society.” He added: “NIPSA calls on those with influence in communities to send a clear message that there is no place for violence or disruption to people’s lives – especially vulnerable children and young people.”
NJC pay claim lodged: minimum rise of £1 an hour (Above) Mayor of Coleraine, David Harding and Gregory Campbell MP, lend their support to the DVA Campaign. (Pictured left) members of the public sign the petition
THE Trade Union Side of the National Joint Council has lodged their pay claim for 2014/15. The wording of the submitted claim is: “A minimum increase of £1 an hour on scale point 5 to achieve the Living Wage and the same flat rate increase on all other scale points.” Joint TUS has agreed to launch a major campaign Reports centred on a minimum increase of £1 per hour for all NIPSA Harkin House, 54 Wellington Park, NJC workers. Belfast BT9 6DP, Tel: 028 90661831 Fax 028 90665847 The claim would bring the bottom rate of pay for or email: alison.millar@nipsa.org.uk NJC workers, including local government workers, Editorial contact details: Bob Miller education workers, housing executive staff and othemail: bob.miller@nipsa.org.uk Correspondence should be sent to the above address. ers up to the Living Wage. Welcoming the claim, NIPSA Deputy General SecUnless otherwise stated, the views contained in retary Alison Millar said: “While the NJC trade NIPSA Reports do not necessarily reflect the unions are lodging their pay claim for 2014/15, policy of trade union NIPSA. many staff in the education sector, NIHE, libraries
NIPSA
and other areas are still awaiting payment of 1% and incremental progress for the 2013/14 year. “For too long NJC workers have been too patient, they have seen their wages fall in value year after year and this year they received a meagre 1% increase after three years of a pay freeze. “Effectively since 2009 the pay of NJC members has fallen by more than 16%.” NIPSA will be working closely with the other NJC trade unions – UNISON, GMB and UNITE – to press for real and meaningful negotiations and campaigning to secure a decent pay increase for all NJC members. The NJC trade unions have also sought a meeting with the NJC Employers Side to expand further on their claim.
SEA group formed to spearhead Exploris campaign NEWS
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THE campaign to save Exploris and secure it as a regional public service facility has stepped up a gear. A new campaign group, Save Exploris Aquarium, was formed following a well-attended public meeting at the Portaferry Hotel on Monday, September 29. The SEA working group represents NIPSA, UNITE, NASUWT, Friends of Exploris as well as local political and community representatives and will meet on a weekly basis. NIPSA Official Antoinette McMillen, who chairs the SEA, told NIPSA Reports: “The core working group has many different skills and attributes. Everyone will be involved in deciding how to take the campaign forward. “They will be assisting each other in a variety of tasks including producing literature, holding workshops, room bookings, meeting with political representatives, organising online petitions as well as addressing Assembly Committees etc. “The work of the group is tireless and we are commit-
ted to ensuring that everything possible is done to achieve our goal of ensuring that Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary remains a publicly-funded regional service for current and future generations.” NIPSA and SEA have raised the matter directly with the Ministers for Enterprise, Trade & Investment, Education, Environment and Leisure. To date meetings have been held with the Environment Minister and some representatives of SEA are due to meet with the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister. A source said: “It is vital pressure is kept on Ministers as well as on the Northern Ireland Executive to press home our case for regional funding. In addition, Ards Borough Council needs to be lobbied to ensure it also provides some funding and show its commitment to the continued operation and management of the facility.” NIPSA also lead a delegations to the Environment, Enterprise, Trade & Investment Committees and union offi-
cials are continuing to lobby others to take the case to their respective Committees. The source insisted: “This is a issue in which government must step up to the mark.” Deputy General Secretary Alison Millar added: “Since the threat of closure visitor numbers to the attraction have risen by 20%. It is clear that the recent publicity has reminded many visitors of the facility. “Since 2007, Exploris has not had a Marketing Officer and this and other key positions would need to be filled. “NIPSA understands there are some ‘moth-balled’ grants which could be realised which could help in upgrading the facility. The amount of money required by the Northern Ireland Executive to run Exploris is around £400,000 per annum. And this would be less if more income was generated, which would be possible with proper marketing of the facility.” At the time of writing there are over 30,000 Facebook likes and more than 13,000 people have signed a petition.
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NIPSA Deputy General Secretary Alison Millar addressing Save Exploris Aquarium (SEA) meeting
It is clear there is huge backing for Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal sanctuary to remain in the public sector both for the current and future generations. A number of local events are being held to highlight the issue with details publisheon the NIPSA website. A lobby of MLAs took place on Tuesday, November 5, in advance of the debate on a motion and amendment to
secure the future of Exploris by the provision of Regional Funding. The debate in the chamber was a lively one and the amended motion for regional funding was passed following a vote. NIPSA are now seeking to press both the NI Executive and Ards Borough Council to enter into detailed discussions on how to affectively implement the will of the Assembly.
LPS TUS get welfare reform update
LAND and Property Services Management Side recently updated TUS about the delivery of Housing Benefit for rates and rates rebate support as part of the overall Welfare Reform Agenda. Following the introduction of Universal Credit and the Social Housing Reform Programme, Housing Benefit for rates support will be abolished and the administrative legislative and financial responsibility for all rates support will become the responsibility of DFP Land and Property Services (LPS). TUS were advised that the following agreements have now been reached on several key elements: n During 2014-15 nothing will
change. LPS will continue to administer rates support for owner-occupiers and NIHE will administer rates support for tenants under current Social Security legislation. n DFP will legislate for a new rates support scheme from April 1, 2015. From that date, all new applications for rates support will be determined under DFP legislation and will be administered by LPS. In addition, current Housing Benefit rate awards, for both owner-occupier and tenant cases, which migrate to Universal Credit, will be administered by LPS under DFP legislation. n DSD will continue to legislate and NIHE administer rates support for all existing tenants at April 1, 2015
under current Social Security legislation during 2015-16. n Current arrangements for overpayments, appeals and fraud and error will remain in place up to March 31, 2016. n There will be an administrative migration of the remaining NIHE (tenants) caseload to LPS by April 1, 2016, at which point the DSD legislation for rates support will be revoked. NIPSA Official Noel Griffin told NIPSA Reports: “These key elements and agreement therein will impact upon several areas within LPS. For example, a new IT system will be required to process rate rebate applications for tenants. ‘There will also be issues in relation
to accommodation in particular whether or not rate rebate staff will be located in LPS proposed new accommodation of Lanyon Plaza.” He added: “A considerable number of new staff will be required to ensure adequate resources are in place and relevant staff fully trained ahead of the new scheme implementation date. “In relation to additional staff LPS, TUS have emphasised the need to consider redeploying surplus NIHE members, who have significant experience of the work involved and would require little or no training. “It is an ideal opportunity to retain employment for existing NIPSA members within NIHE.”
Hostility towards union recogniton at PULSE
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FOLLOWING the adoption of a motion calling for trade union recognition within Pulse at Greenvale Leisure Centre, NIPSA has sought support from political parties locally to ensure full advan-
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tage is taken of the development. At these meetings, NIPSA has underlined the fact that Pulse, a private company, has benefited from the publicly-funded refurbishment of the facility.
But judging by coverage in the press since the motion was carried, there is a measure of hostility to trade unions and, in particular, to NIPSA. NIPSA has made it clear it will be
campaigning for the facility to be brought back under council control as a directly-operated facility, when the current contract comes to an end.
NIPSA continues to campaign to stop removal of DSD Soft Services
September 12, 2013 demanding an in-house bid paigning against the decision, DSD have decided to plough ahead with this privatisation. They claim and asking why that wasn’t allowed. No response to that question has been received to date. that it will save money but that can only happen if Within the Department there are a number of certain things happen. As the private sector companies have to make a areas that are already outsourced, including cleaning, catering and the medical referee service. profit then, in order to make that profit, as well as The catering and cleaning contract for NICS was providing the service, they will have to attack won by SERCO last year. terms and conditions and pay of the staff. SERCO is a multinational that preys on public While TUPE does provide some extremely-limsector contracts. It is a company that ited protection in that the staff will repaid their Chief Executive, Christotain their terms and conditions on the ...to their eternal pher Hyman, £3,149,950 in 2010. date of transfer, we are well aware of shame... DSD That organisation has continued to many cases where, once they get their senior managers dominate privatised civil and public hands on public services, private secservice contracts. tor contractors try to drive down terms have placed DSD Trade Union Side have continand conditions. hardworking It is appalling that DSD have refused staff on the altar ued to argue that DSD as the largest government department should be to allow an in-house bid where the exof privatisation paying public servants to do public isting staff, aided and supported by service work and not lining the pocktheir union, would be able to bid for the work. We have little doubt that if that were to hap- ets of privateers who have no public service ethos but rather who are committed to making more and pen, then the in-house bid could be successful. more profit for their shareholders and their senior Originally the privatisation, once announced in staff. October 2012, was to commence on October 1, Let’s remember that private companies have no 2013. However, the union was then informed of difficul- social purpose at all. Their legal priority is to make a profit for their shareholders, not putting the pubties in getting bidders for the work and in March the starting date for the contract was moved to No- lic first. This has meant in the past that corners have vember 1, 2013. In September 2013, we have been told that it will been cut and public services have experienced be at least July 2014 before the private contractor under-investment. Despite the DSD Management claim that they takes over. All this at a time when the existing are likely to save money on the contract, previous staff are doing their level best to provide a full privatisations have shown that taxpayers pay more quality service. Staff have shown loyalty, commitment and dedi- for private sector companies because they must cation to the department and what have they got in make a profit for their shareholders in addition to return other than a kick in the teeth, their jobs out- paying their top Executive more pay. There are numerous examples of where this has sourced, their commitment devalued, their loyalty happened. ignored and their future completely undermined. In addition, private companies are not accountThe DSD Trade Union Side have provided support and help to members and they will continue to able as civil servants are to the government. If DSD makes any mistakes, then the public knows do so. where and how to complain. However, a private They will continue to lobby and campaign both company, which is not accountable to the public, with the Northern Ireland Executive and with indican do whatever it likes. vidual MLAs to overturn this privatisation. NIPSA will continue to do everything possible to We are told that the Outline Business Case will protect and defend the SGB grades in DSD. It is be released soon to Trade Union Side. TUS have to the eternal shame of the DSD Senior Managetold Management Side that they will robustly defend members and will closely study management ment that they – and they alone – in the Northern proposals providing constructive, justified and fully Ireland Civil Service have decided to place their hardworking staff on the altar of privatisation. researched criticism and opposition to them. NIPSA knows which side it is on. DSD Trade Union Side wrote to Management on
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EVER since the Thatcher government introduced outsourcing and privatisation to public and civil services, NIPSA and other public sector trade unions have been alert to any threat not only to services delivered to the public but to the staff who deliver those services. Unfortunately privatisation increased extensively under New Labour and has continued under the current Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition. In summer last year, the current government’s Civil Service Reform Plan for the UK Civil Service made it clear that “alternative delivery methods” were central to its agenda. (By “alternative delivery methods” we assume they means privatisation.) NIPSA, as the leading public sector trade union in Northern Ireland, has been completely opposed to privatisation in all its manifestations and has continued to argue, lobby and campaign to have all public services delivered by public and civil service staff who are both professionally trained and adequately remunerated. In Northern Ireland, with the Northern Ireland Assembly in place, we had hoped that we would have been able to persuade local political parties to stave off the worst excesses of privatisation. Under the late, but not missed, Workplace 2010 initiative, the Northern Ireland Civil Service was to bring in open plan offices as well as privatise all soft services functions. In other words, our support grades in all departments would have been privatised and put out to private sector firms, such as SERCO. NIPSA is opposed to privatisation, not merely because it will damage our members’ jobs, undermine their pay and attack their conditions of service, but because of numerous past privatisation performance failures. It is clear privatisation within the Department for Social Development (DSD), be it catering, cleaning or the medical referee service, has not been without its difficulties. When Workplace 2010 collapsed, we assumed that our members’ jobs and conditions would be protected and that they would carry on doing the first-class job that they have always done for the NICS. However, our hopes were to be dashed whenever the DSD – the largest government department – decided that they alone would outsource their soft services function to the private sector. Despite NIPSA’s strong objections and its cam-
Organise to protect services, jobs, pay and pensions YOU HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY...SUPPORT YOUR UNION AND YOUR COLLEAGUES
Future delivery of Civil Service pensions NEWS
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AS previously reported, Trade Union Side continues to challenge proposals regarding the future service delivery of Civil Service pensions. Two of the three project options under consideration involve the outsourcing of pensions administration. If implemented, about 80 existing posts would be lost. NIPSA’s opposition to outsourcing was articulated at a packed public meeting held on
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October 24. A number of MLAs, local councillors and business leaders attended, all of which voiced support and offered help to retain administration work in-house. The Branch involved also requested a ballot for industrial action in particular to ensure non co-operation with any work that would assist the options of outsourcing. It is expected that the outcome of the ballot
will be known by the middle of November, which if endorsed by members will also include strike action. A lunchtime rally outside Waterside House is also being planned to coincide with the announcement of the ballot. NIPSA is also considering requesting a meeting with the DFP Assembly Committee and, if necessary, a separate meeting with the DFP Minister.
CCNI UNDER THREAT BUT NIPSA SAYS ‘IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT!’
THE future of the Consumer Council NI is now under threat, according to media reports earlier this month, which followed an announcement by DETI Minister Arlene Foster. The CCNI (also known as the General Consumer Council) is a non-departmental body set up in 1985, that is mostly funded by DETI. It provides advocacy, education, advice and information to and on behalf of consumers on issues relating to energy (coal, electricity, natural gas), water and sewerage, transport (air, sea, road and rail), food prices as well as financial affairs (e.g. banking/insurance and customer experiences). The CCNI is also scheduled to take over the role of representing consumers over postal services from April 2014. In the past year it has handled consumer complaints resulting in £300,000 being returned to consumers’ pockets. The Ministerial announcement initiated a public consultation exercise on the proposed strategy for the future of consumer representation arrangements in Northern Ireland. However, according to NIPSA, the consultation is based upon the flawed and biased recommendations of a review report which – if accepted by the public – could mean the abolition and/or transfer of functions of the CCNI and the loss of up to 47 public sector jobs. The Simpson review recommendation to abolish the CCNI suggests most of its functions should be carried out by the Citizens Advice Bureau. But this recommendation is supported by the weight given to the anecdotal views of bodies set to gain by the CCNI’s abolition while consumer surveys backing the CCNI were given no credence. This
is, according to the union, why the public consultation events are so crucial. The Simpson review recommendation merely reflects already existing proposals to shape the future of consumer representation in England. However, the Scottish Government has a very different view of consumer representation – its proposals, published in August 2013, centre around mirroring the CCNI model and states clearly that this is more appropriate for today’s consumer landscape and our devolved political climate. NIPSA members, the CCNI Board and Senior Management Team are equally appalled at how DETI has conducted the review process to date. Despite vociferous objections by NIPSA and DETI assurances, no meaningful consultation has taken place on the strategy. Indeed the members most affected – those employed by CCNI – were prevented by DETI from seeing the Simpson review and the consultation document until after the Ministerial announcement in the Northern Ireland Assembly on October 14. This is despite the fact the Simpson review had been finalised and presented to the DETI months before. NIPSA HQ Official Kim Graham told NIPSA Reports: “If the Simpson review report was based upon sound evidence, what did DETI have to fear from sharing the draft report with members in CCNI? “The consultation documents focus on the consumer landscape and political changes to justify the potential abolition of the CCNI when, in reality, the issues that CCNI deal with on a daily basis remain fundamentally the same and the efficiency and effectiveness of CCNI has been clearly articulated.
“The CCNI has been, and will continue to be, a dynamic organisation which has changed significantly to meet the challenges of increasing statutory functions and growing consumer demands. “NIPSA was not even included on the DETI stakeholder consultee list and had to raise concerns with DETI before we could even meet with the consultant reviewer. “Despite repeated assurances by DETI officials over meaningful consultation with NIPSA on a draft public consultation document, DETI failed to engage at all. “We will be sending out a strong message to DETI that CCNI provides an efficient, effective and appropriate service to consumers which should not be placed in jeopardy based upon a fundamentally flawed and subjective review report. “Members in the CCNI need the support of all NIPSA representatives and members right across the civil an public services in Northern Ireland. “NIPSA would therefore urge members and their families to attend the public consultation events planned over the next few months to ensure that the message IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT resounds loud and clear. “This is a further attack upon public services within Northern Ireland and this issue is a further major element in the NIPSA Public Services Defence Campaign.” The public consultation document is on the DETI website at: http://www.detini.gov.uk/deti-abouthome/deti-about-consultations/consultation_on_future_consumer_representation _arrangements_in_ni.htm NIPSA will be providing a written response to DETI by the closing date of January 17, 2014.
NIPSA leading from the front in protecting jobs and workplace rights
Big savings on costs of childcare
IF YOU are paying for registered childcare, then make sure you are taking advantage of the savings you could be making! Childcare Vouchers are implemented through an employer’s payroll and are available to all working parents in the UK. They are not meanstested and allow each parent to make up to £933 of tax and National Insurance savings per year on their childcare costs. The vouchers are available to both mums and dads, which means potential household savings of more than £1,800 each year. Childcare Vouchers can be used for children up to age 15, and can be used to pay for more than one form of childcare, e.g. childminders, day nurseries, playgroups, breakfast and afterschool clubs. To find out if your employer offers the scheme, call Employers For Childcare Vouchers on freephone 0800 028 3008 or visit www.employersforchildcare.org.
NIPSA holds TRUE FACE rally over plan OF TYC IS to close home
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REVEALED NIPSA has claimed the “true face of Transforming Your Care” can be seen in the contents of a letter recently sent to the HSC Board Director of Finance. The letter, revealed by the union in September, outlined the impact £4.6 million of savings demanded by the Board would have on services provided by the Western Health and Social Care Trust. The proposals included plans to slash cover for medical staff vacancies by 25% as well as cutting 50% of cover for allied health professionals’ vacancies (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and podiatrists), and 100% of all unfunded admin staff. Plans were even outlined to cap spending on laboratory chemicals. The Trust points out that this will delay diagnosis and impact on the timely treatment of patients. A range of other services across the Trust will be crippled if the plans are imple-
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mented including a cut in the number of hospital beds, the closure of residential homes and the decimation of domiciliary care. The Trust proposals also include plans to reduce by 25% all unfunded staff in wards, cutting £1.1 million from the budget. Such as move, in their own words, will result in the quality of care being compromised and the closure of an entire ward. NIPSA has claimed that this is the “true face of Transforming Your Care” and has called on the Health Minister to intervene to ensure patient safety is not compromised. The union has also called on the Trust to refuse to implement the savings and demand action from the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Health Committee. NIPSA has also indicated it will commence immediate consultations with members on the possibility of strike action in order to protect jobs and services.
NIPSA has continued to warn of the threat of increasing privatisation through the outworking of the Transforming Your Care programme. TYC is endorsed by Stormont Health Minister Edwin Poots, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Health and Social Care Board. On September 12, NIPSA held a rally and protest at a meeting of the Health and Social Care Board to express its strong opposition to proposals to close statutory residential homes. The union also had speaking rights at the meeting and in its submission underlined its view that there had been no fundamental change to the proposals and that a majority, if not all, of the
homes were slated for closure. A NIPSA spokesperson said: “We organised this rally at the Board meeting to highlight our ongoing concerns about the plight of our elderly population who still run the risk of being impacted by further cuts in the Health Service – in this case, the threat of being evicted from their residential homes. “It presented the opportunity for NIPSA Branch representatives and local activists to vent their anger to such proposals and to assist us in delivering the message that the HSCB will not simply carry out the dirty work that is being removed from the Health Trusts for the time being.”
Regional approach to Daycare Services
NIPSA has received confirmation that there will be a regional approach to Transforming Your Care proposals over Daycare Services involving physical or learning disability. In terms of Mental Health, the TYC proposal is that there will still be six in-patient units on or close to a large hospital site. Within the Western Health and Social Care Trust area, it is understood an Options Appraisal document has been completed with any decisions about location based on a clinical perspective.
The Mental Health TYC proposals are still very much within the Bamford recovery model with up to 200 individuals being relocated from institutional care. On Children’s Services, unions received confirmation that the O’Hara report is due to be published in November. A further development was the setting up of the Historical Abuse Inquiry team which is set to start its work in December. And the HSCB said that it would be supporting that initiative.
Union gets update at TYC Engagement Forum
AT A recent Transforming Your Care Engagement Forum, NIPSA was informed that five out of six Trust delivery plans had been approved. The union was advised that the TYC delivery plan for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust was being resubmitted for consideration. Confirmation was also given that a Financial Stability Programme Board had been set up and will oversee delivery of the agreed programme. The body will also look at the impact of the revised service model on financial savings plans 2013/14; performance; recurrent financial stability as well as TYC delivery.
The FSP Board’s role is to provide assurance to the HSCB, DHSSPS and the Minister that: n There is financial stability within the HSC, and n That the 2013/14 (and, by inference, 2014/15) financial plans, align with both the commissioning plan and the TYC transformation plans and reflect potential impacts on the PFA targets. The revised structure of the FSP Board is as follows: n Chairperson: HSCB Chief Executive n Members: Trust Chief Executives n HSCB: Chief Executive Director of Finance
n PHA: Chief Executive BSO Chief Executive. There will be a number of invitees from time to time representing DHSSPS, HSCB Directors as required and others, such as Directors of Finance and Project Specific representatives. The trade unions were advised that the FSP had developed a pro forma template which was to look at TYC targets achieved on time as well as TYC targets that were not on target and not on time. It is understood unions have requested a copy of this pro forma. One of the key drivers of this group is that Trusts have to break even by March 2014.
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sidential mes issues ssed to HSCB
DE UNIONS have n advised that issues ounding the proed closure of staturesidential homes e been placed into the ds of the Health and al Care Board. s understood terms ference are being wn up about the B’s role in the matter. e HSCB confirmed in terms of the review ess they would be eloping evaluation criover quality stans. addition a Project Inion document along the terms of refere would be given to rade unions. ions were also ined that all those livn statutory dential homes would written to as part of a munication and enement strategy. is strategy extends to ps such as the PaClient Care Council, NI, the Commissioner Older People, all MLAs political parties.
CPs set p in ach Trust
TAL of 17 IndependCare Partnerships had set up in each of the rusts. ch ICP will have a plement of 13 people, n from health, social and voluntary secincluding GPs, pharsts, nurses, social workers, paramedic, ntary and Community or workers, health visand district nurses. oups have met to conrisk clarification, disprevention focussing ail and elderly people, e suffering from dias as well as stroke and of-life patients. s also understood that commissioning ps will be holding the responsible for servelivery.
Education pay protest
Card change on the way
Things are changing with your Membership Plus Discount Card. The card which will be issued directly to you in early January 2014 will also be your NIPSA Membership Card and it will last not for 12 months but for two years running right the way through 2014 and 2015. You can continue to use your current card into early January 2014. On one side will be the Membership Plus Discount Card. As with the 2013 card to make maximum use of the card you should register on line at: www.nipsa.membershipplus.co.uk or via the homepage of NIPSA’s website www.nipsa.org.uk by using the button. If you registered your 2013 Membership Plus card all you have to do is click on “update” to register your 2014/15 card using the Membership Plus card number. If you didn’t previously register then click on “Register” and complete the short details section. There is a new NIPSA Membership Plus website which provides enhancements to what was previously available, including better search facilities, storage of favourite offers, more categories of offers and an interactive map. The site will also provide the opportunity for you to enter competitions limited to NIPSA members. In addition to being your Membership Plus Discount Card for 2 years it will also be your NIPSA Membership Card detailing your NIPSA Membership Number and your Branch Number. You should provide details of your NIPSA membership number when contacting NIPSA and when using other services such as Legal Services, Insurance and Financial Services. The card will issue in early January 2014 to home addresses (if no home address is held it will be issued to your work address). You should therefore ensure that your contact details are correct, to update your details go to the NIPSA website www.nipsa.org.uk contact your Branch Secretary or the membership section at NIPSA Headquarters. You should retain your combined Membership/Membership Plus Discount Card in your wallet or purse so that you can either access the great offers or quote to NIPSA your membership number. Replacement cards will be charged at £5 per card.
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Blowy day in Bangor as NIPSA members joined with Unison and Unite members at a joint pay demo outside Rathgael House - See story page 12
Tackling violence at work
(Pictured left) Outgoing NIPSA Health and Safety Committee – launch of new Guide on Tackling Violence at Work. (Below, left) Geraldine Alexander, Keith Morrison (Chief Executive of HSENI), Heather McKinstry (Chairperson of NIPSA Health and Safety Committee), Carole Hagedorn (Member of Asbestos in Schools Group), Hilda Palmer (Greater Manchester Hazards).
Derry jobs threat demo
ICT skills certs presentation
Pictured at the recent presentation in DETI to some NIPSA Members of their ICT Essential Skills Certificates. Also in the photo DETI's Permanent Secretary David Stirling and the Class Tutor Eileen Bell from BMC.
NIPSA members at Derry City Council stage protests over jobs threat. See story on page 12.
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Drive to protect NIHE enters new phase
NIPSA has vowed to reinvigorate the campaign to retain the strategic and landlord functions of the Housing Executive as one body. It follows the launch of a research document commissioned by the union, titled ‘Keep Our Housing Public’ by housing expert Stewart Smyth. Deputy General Secretary Alison Millar told NIPSA Reports: “It is clear from our engagement so far with a range of stakeholders and tenants representatives that there is not wholesale support for the Minister’s proposed direction of travel. “This move would split the Housing Executive into a strategic body inside the public sector along with a landlord function or functions outside of the public sector.
ATOS is an IT multinational that has received many contracts for outsourced public services from governments across the world, including the UK. The company – which has its HQ in Bezons, France – is at the centre of controversy in the UK over contracts awarded to it by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide work capability assessments. In Northern Ireland, ATOS does similar work capability assessments for the Department for Social Development (DSD). The firm, which has been dogged by allegations of poor practice for some years, has continued to win massive contracts from the British government. In June 2013, the DWP Minister Mark Hoban revealed that ATOS had been awarded approximately £1.6 billion worth of contracts. Overall, it has £3 billion worth of UK government contracts, including consultancy work, work for the Ministry of Defence, NHS, as well as UK Nuclear and Welsh government contracts. However, it is the contracts it holds in the area of disability where it has faced most criticism. In January, former Labour Minister Michael Meacher claimed that 1,300 people had died after being placed in the “work-related activity group” for those currently too ill to be employed but expected to start preparing for an eventual return to work. Mr Meacher also claimed that a further 2,200 deaths had occurred before the assessment process had been completed and that 7,100 people had died after being judged to be entitled to unconditional support because they were too ill or disabled to work. Mr Meacher asked: “Is it reasonable to pressurise seriously disabled persons into work so ruthlessly when there are already 2.5 million unemployed and, on average, eight persons chasing every vacancy? Unless they are also provided with the active and extensive support they obviously need in order to get and to hold down work, which is certainly not the case at present.” In a debate on January 22 in the House of Commons, other MPs criticised ATOS for “ruthlessly pressuring sick and disabled people into return-
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“This would mean 90,000 tenants would effectively be privatised in a housing association-type model with funds being raised to build and maintain homes from financial institutions.” Over the coming weeks and months, NIPSA will continue to engage with tenants organisations and community groups as well as other key stakeholders – including Council for the Homeless, Shelter NI, Housing Rights Service and political representatives – to seek to build an effective opposition to the proposals. NIPSA understands that Departmental officials have already set out a timetable and it is anticipated the broad principles on the changes will be agreed by March 2014. The union is seeking to forge an effective opposition to this position and will use Stewart
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Smyth’s research to build on the arguments against the transfer of 90,000 tenancies out of public ownership. Under the proposed model, rents would increase significantly. It is claimed such rent hikes would go towards increased remuneration for senior executives. Senior executives’ pay was recently highlighted in reports in the Inside Housing website. Ms Millar also flagged up the deep concerns felt by NIHE staff about long-term job security, terms and conditions of employment, pensions and locations of jobs, particularly as those staff in the landlord functions will be outside of the public sector. Whatever the outcome, NIPSA will seek to protect the interests of all members.
“Indeed for the DWP as a whole, the appeals process shows that this cost the taxpayer more than £66 million – money that would have been better spent being given to people with disabilities rather than its current use.” Recently the DWP instructed ATOS to put in place an Equality Improvement Plan which includes a commitment to retain their health care professionals until they are compliant or face being subject to potential inefficiency action. However, the complaints against ATOS aren’t just from claimants and from the DWP but even from inside the organisation itself. In early August, The Guardian reported that Dr Greg Wood, who had been employed to carry out the ATOS fitness for work test, had spoken out against the organisation. Dr Wood said he “could no longer tolerate working for the fitness for work assessment firm ATOS” when he was asked – for perhaps the 10th time – to change a report he had made on a claimant, in this case making it unlikely that the individual would be eligible for sickness benefit. Dr Wood said that he had harboured concerns about aspects of the work he was expected to perform for several months but finally decided to leave because he felt the company was acting unethically in putting pressure on a doctor to change the conclusions of an assessment. Dr Wood’s decision to blow the whistle on practices within ATOS made him the first ATOS-employed doctor to put his career on the line and to put on record concerns about a system that has already been ing to their jobs”. NIPSA are strongly opposed to this strongly criticised by charities and The debate was also told of cases privatisation which is, in the words of claimants for years. How many more mistakes have of people who had committed suicide NIPSA Official Tony McMullan, “a priafter being stripped of their benefits vatisation too far”. ATOS to make before this contract is under the process and of an incontiMr McMullan told NIPSA Reports: reviewed? How much longer has nence sufferer who was told she “The Westminster government should both DWP and DSD got before it is could return to work wearing a nappy. scrap the work capability test – as realised that the work was better In July, the UK government decided should DSD. Indeed, ATOS should done, better valued, with the committo end the monopoly enjoyed by be fined for each evaluation it gets ment of both the staff and the ATOS operating the controversial fit- wrong.” claimants when it was provided inness-to-work tests amid fears too He added: “Applications for incahouse? many of its assessments were pacity benefit and sickness benefit How many more examples of priflawed. employment and support allowance vatisations that don’t work must be The changes, however, don’t go far were flawed with more than 40% of provided before this government enough. appeals being successful. wakes up?
ATOS
– a helluva privatisation!
SICK LEAVE FIGURES TRIGGERS BACKLASH
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NIPSA has slammed as “completely unacceptable” shock new figures revealing that civil servants working in the Department for Employment and Learning are receiving a grossly excessive number of warnings because of sick leave when compared with other departments. It follows information obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. According to the figures, the number of staff who had triggers under the Managing Attendance Policy at DEL was 406 compared with 400 at the Department of Regional Development and 453 at the Department of Environment. However, the figures change dramatically in terms of the number of staff called to a consideration meeting for a warning. In DEL, 311 members of staff were called to a meeting in contrast to 124 at the DRD and 73 at the DOE. And the contrast becomes even more pronounced when the number of warnings issued are considered. Only 33 warnings were issued at the DRD, 48 at the DOE while the DEL tally came to 185.
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Assisant Secretary Tony McMullan told NIPSA Reports: “You just don’t look at what the comparison with DEL is in terms of government departments of a similar size – you also have to look at larger departments. “Both DSD and DARD are considerably larger than DEL. In DSD, 590 warnings were issued after 2,342 staff hit the trigger points. However, this only amounted overall to 25.2% of members of staff who hit the trigger being issued with warnings. “In DARD, the number of staff who hit the triggers was 315 yet only 24 warnings were issued – which came to 7.6%. “Contrast this with the fact that in DEL, 45.6% of staff received a warning after they hit the trigger point. In other words, DEL, which is a considerably smaller department than DSD, had almost twice as many staff getting a warning who hit the trigger. “DEL, which is a smaller department than DARD, had 45.6% of staff getting warnings after they hit the trigger while this figure was only 7.6% in DARD.” NIPSA has always recognised that the issue of
sickness absence needs to be dealt with sympathetically and that employers should put in place measures to help staff return to work, if that is possible. The union argues that adopting a hard-line, draconian attitude to managing attendance is not the way forward in dealing with the issue. DEL have also been criticised for taking a very hard-line attitude in the dismissal of staff, some with a very long period of dedicated period of service to the department. Recently a staff member with more than 37 years of service, and who had been looking forward to their retirement, was dismissed. Another officer who had been recovering from cancer received notification to discuss dismissal shortly before Christmas. Tony McMullan added: “The matter has been raised with the most senior member of staff in the department, the Permanent Secretary, and he was hopeful that progress could be made to DEL adopting a more reasonable approach to managing attendance.” Watch this space.
NIPSA members vindicated by Public Accounts Committee
Linda Ford who was vindicated for her whistle-blowing at NIFRS
NIPSA members working in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who made whistle blowing allegations have been totally vindicated by the Public Accounts Committee Report. Linda Ford and John Boyle have suffered for over three years and finally closure can be brought to their cases. Antoinette McMillen the NIPSA official dealing with the cases stated: “Linda and John are delighted with the outcome of the Report. “However they are disappointed that no one from the Department or the NIFRS was held to account. They both welcome the Public Accounts Committee recommendations arising from the Report in relation to whistle blowers, governance and adherence to procedures. “These are important recom-
mendations which will help build the confidence of public servants. “If Minister’s in Departments want whistle blowers to come forward then more stringent measures need to be put in place to assure public servants that they will not be treated in the same manner as Linda Ford. Linda and John have now returned to their substantive roles and hope to put this awful experience behind them and get on with their lives.” Report on the NIFRS: An Organisational Assessment and Review of Departmental Oversight and Report on Accounts 2011-2012 can be accessed from this link: http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/ Documents/Reports/Public-Accounts/nia-131-11-15-report-onnifrs-PAC.pdf
NHS pay under attack…again
IT HAS been revealed that NHS pay has come under attack once again amid attempts to influence the Pay Review Body (PRB) through, what NIPSA has called, “untimely and unjustified” interventions coming from the NHS Employers’ Side and the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt. The Pay Review Body is currently taking evidence to inform their recommendations for the 2014/15 pay round. The Treasury has indicated that as part of their policy on public sector pay restraint, increases should be no more than 1%. The NHS Employers’ Organisation is urging the Pay Review Body (PRB) to recommend freezing pay scales for NHS staff in 2014-15. It said increasing pay by 1% would add £500 million to staff costs and that the increase is “unaffordable” and “unnecessary”. More recently in a surprise move,
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Jeremy Hunt urged two Independent Pay Review bodies to abandon either the 1% rise which had been due in April next year or a pay progression system linked to their length of service. The bodies set earnings for 1.3 million NHS workers, and even Chancellor George Osborne had previously said the rise, which would cost £500 million, was affordable. Mr Hunt also challenged the longestablished tradition of small pay increases each year, in addition to pay rises, as long as employees performed satisfactorily and move up the grades within their band (increments). He claims the NHS £100 billion annual budget is under such strain it cannot afford these wage increases, adding that the incremental rises, on average 3.5% but up to 6.7%, would cost an estimated £900 million per year.
Training course for reps outside of Belfast depends on uptake
No decisions on changes to pay have yet been taken. The Independent bodies will make the recommendation next year. NIPSA made its own submission to the Pay Review Body and we, along with the other unions, will resist any attempt to change the pay increases or increments due to NHS workers. In their submission to the Pay Review Body, the NHS Trade Unions said that pay had failed to keep pace with inflation, leaving NHS staff who were without a real-term pay increase since 2006, were struggling financially to keep their heads above water. The continuing NHS pay gap will mean that by 2014, NHS staff will have suffered a real-terms pay cut of between 8% and 12% at a time when NHS reorganisation and staff cuts make their jobs increasingly stressful.
Representatives of NHS staff, who have already had their pay frozen for two years and faced a major downgrading of their pension benefits, have expressed outrage at the demands. The NHS Staff Council stated: “NHS staff has seen the value of their pay fall by at least 10% over the past two years. This – together with cuts in staffing and services increased demand and, in England, the huge NHS reorganisation – has led to low morale and high stress levels. “We are asking the PRB to investigate the impact of successive pay freezes and on-going pay caps on NHS workers because this is important for patients. “The evidence is clear – supporting and investing in staff makes a real difference to patient outcomes.”
Public Services Pensions Campaign
DESPITE the introduction by the UK Coalition Government of sweeping NIPSA is hoping to run same time so your employer changes to pension provision for public training courses for reps has sufficient time to provide based outside of Belfast but cover and approve your atten- servants across Great Britain, NIPSA and the other public sector trade unions have the union has emphasised dance on the course.” continued to make the case to the Asthat it is dependent on a The NIPSA Reps Stage 1 sembly and the Executive that such a sufficient uptake from mem- training course provides a detriment should not be applied to public bers. comprehensive introduction servants here. The NIPSA Reps Stage 1 for new reps. Northern Ireland is unique in that it is the training course will be held at It also provides an opportuonly region in the UK where public service the AmmA Centre, in Market nity for existing reps – who Street, Armagh and run for 10 have not attended training for pensions are devolved and where the reMondays, excluding March 17, some time – to update themsponsibility for the legislation rests locally. from January 13, 2014. selves on any changes to legAs a consequence, NIPSA has made it a Dooley Harte, the union’s islation and employment rights priority to press our politicians not to apply Training Officer, told NIPSA as well as refreshing their the detrimental changes in Northern Ireland. Reports: “This offer [of the knowledge and skills on isThese changes include the automatic linktraining course] depends on sues such as representing ing of the public sector pension age to the sufficient number of reps takmembers, negotiating with State Pension Age (the latter is expected to ing up the opportunity offered. employers, organising and re- rise to 67 and 68 and, in future, the prospect If we do not get sufficient num- cruiting. of the pension age raising to 70 is a distinct bers, the course will not run. Mr Harte added: “The spring possibility) as well as the replacement of the “It is, therefore, important 2014 training programme will existing final salary schemes with a career that a completed application be circulated very shortly but I average scheme. form is forwarded to me at would encourage all branches NIPSA and the Northern Ireland CommitNIPSA HQ as quickly as poswho have reps that live or tee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions sible. work in Armagh, Craigavon, has submitted its response to the draft legis“It is also important that a Dungannon, Banbridge and lation and has made several presentations special leave form is forNewry areas to ensure they to the NI Assembly Finance and Personnel warded to your employer at take up this opportunity.” Committee. Talks have also been taking
place over the last number of months with DFP officials in a bid to prevent the detrimental changes being introduced. The trade unions also commissioned an analysis from the Nevin Economic Research Institute – to which NIPSA is affiliated – on the impact any extension of the pension age would have on employment availability especially for young people given the increased pension age would lead to public servants having to remain in employment longer. This evidence was also presented to the Assembly Finance and Personnel Committee. The legislation giving effect to these detrimental changes will have to be voted through by the Northern Ireland Assembly and NIPSA, along with the other public sector trade unions, will be mounting a campaign to persuade MLAs to reject the Public Service Pensions Bill. NIPSA members and all public sector trade union members will in the near future be asked to write to their MLAs asking them to reject the detrimental changes contained in the Public Service Pensions Bill. Appropriate material and advice will be provided at that stage.
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New deal brokered between Extern and NIPSA
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NIPSA has welcomed an agreement reached with Extern that sets out a consultation framework. The framework, brokered between Extern’s new CEO Charlie Mack and NIPSA’s Assistant Secretary Kevin McCabe with Extern’s CEO Charlie Mack sign the agreement and it is witnessed by union General Secretary Brian Campfield, NIPSA Assistant Extern’s Human Resources Manager Lisa Doherty and NIPSA’s Higher Executive Secretary Kevin Officer Catherine Arkinson McCabe, is found within the terms of Recognition and ment is collectively a constructive Procedural Agreement signed by both step in the right direction.” parties that came into effect on SepWelcoming this positive approach tember 9, 2013. from management, Kevin McCabe It is anticipated that the first formal told NIPSA Reports: “NIPSA is commeeting will be held later in the aumitted to engaging in meaningful contumn. sultation with Extern for and on behalf Talks on delivering a deal have con- of our members. We are a reputable tinued since Charlie Mack was aptrade union and we pride ourselves in pointed to head up the charity in July striving to improve working condi2013. tions for and on behalf of our memThe framework paves the way for bers. positive industrial relations between “Our ability to influence continuous the parties. improvement is enhanced through Charlie Mack said: “Extern is enterbuilding mutual respect between the ing a new era. Our mission is to imExtern and NIPSA. We look forward prove people’s lives and make to fulsome participation in the framecommunities safer. Extern’s employwork, as agreed, and we are positive ees are key to the delivery of our misabout our future relationship and the sion and I am committed to leading future direction of Extern.” the organisation through positive Operational delivery of the framecommunications and engagement work will be conducted through Exwith staff. tern’s Human Resources Manager “Meaningful dialogue with the recognised union NIPSA plays an im- Lisa Doherty and NIPSA’s Higher Executive Officer Catherine Arkinson – portant role in our success. We have both of whom were actively engaged a common aim to see Extern and our in reaching the agreement. employees prosper, and this agree-
FIGHT NOW ON TO SAVE RIGHTS OF MEMBERS
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NIPSA has vowed to continue its engagement over the future of Omagh Leisure Centre, which is currently closed to the public and undergoing refurbishment. The facility is set to open towards the end of 2014. Before the temporary closure, NIPSA had sought a commitment from Omagh Council that permanent jobs would be retained at the facility as well as terms and conditions of members protected. A commitment was given by the Council, and has been adhered to. However, late last year, Omagh Council appointed V4 consultants to conduct an assessment of potential business operational models for the Omagh Leisure Complex and the Strule Arts Centre. This included looking at the potential for outsourcing. NIPSA officials were very concerned to learn of this
development, given the approach taken by Magherafelt Council and the privatisation of Greenvale. The union made extensive representations arguing the case for leisure services to be retained by the Council. NIPSA Official Joan Munton told NIPSA Reports: “The decision was taken earlier this year by the Council to continue to deliver the service ‘in-house’. “This was obviously the right decision taken to retain the provision of this publicly-funded service by Omagh Council and came as a relief to the NIPSA members working at the Omagh Leisure Complex.” She added: “However, noone is under any illusion about the number of challenges and changes which were identified as a result of the report, and the actual implications of these are unclear at this stage.”
Update on Shared Services in health trusts
NIPSA has provided an update on Shared Services recruitment and transfers. It follows a number of meetings union representatives held with members at the Business Services Organisation as well as through its representation on the regional Joint Negotiating Forum. According to NIPSA, recruitment for Shared Services vacancies will be through a process of: Phase 1: Staff affected by Shared Services initiative, Phase 2: Posts remaining unfilled through Phase 1 would be trawled through HSCNI, and Phase 3: Public advertisement. It is understood vacancies in Band 2 and 3 posts will go straight to public advertisement. For some specialist posts, Phase 2 may be passed depending on a judgment being made
about the availability of skills within HSC. Staff who are employed in payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and recruitment who have been offered and accepted a redeployment will be eligible to apply for posts at Phase 2 and not Phase 1. Through discussions that NIPSA had directly had with the BSO, it was further confirmed in terms of their approach: n Staff in grades 2, 3, 5 and 7 will transfer into Shared Services unless there is a significant change in location. Location means, for example, transfers from Belfast to Ballymena. n Where there is no band in the new structure, trade unions will agree with local employers arrangements for potential redeployment within the current employer base where such arrangements
are not already in place. Staff will not unreasonably refuse any offer of alternative employment made in line with those local arrangements. n Staff will be allocated to posts in accordance with the pool arrangements set out in documentation previously issued to trade unions. n Protection arrangements will be as set out in current contracts of employment. n Excess travel arrangements can be paid but staff will be advised of potential tax implications. Finally at the Joint Secretaries Forum, the trade unions insisted that it was up to individual employers, such as the Trusts, to provide details of all the redeployment offers that have been made and accepted before there is any collective agreement with the BSO in terms of their proposed way forward.
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ONCE again support staff in the Education Sector find themselves being treated as second class citizens by the Department when it comes to payment of their annual increment, which they have been contractually entitled to since April of this year. Members in schools and in Education and Library Board headquarters have been waiting for six months (extremely patiently to date) for payment of this entitlement. NIPSA Assistant Secretary Paddy Mackel said: “After six months delay our members have had enough of the excuses and have taken the matter directly to the Minister. “A delegation representing members of all unions made it clear to the Minister that the contrast in the treatment of our members compared to that of teaching staff was inexcusable, with teachers obtaining their annual
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Education Sector pay – why are we waiting?
increment within one month of its due date. “While the Minister’s intervention in respect of future years is welcome, it doesn’t resolve the situation this year and members are no longer willing to sit back and wait with their hands outstretched.” Following on from local protests in Education Boards, NIPSA held a demo outside Rathgael House, the Department of Education’s HQ in Bangor, on Wednesday, October 23, which
PRIDE 2013
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allowed members to demonstrate their anger at the on-going delay. Paddy Mackel told NIPSA Reports: “This was an important protest for two reasons. Firstly, members in Education made their voices heard and sent a clear message to the Minister and the Department that support staff in Education will no longer tolerate less favourable treatment than their colleagues in the teaching profession. “Secondly, the protest also involved members from the four main unions organised in Education and was a very clear signal of the unity that exists among the unions on this and many other issues.” He added that the message from the protest was simple: “Pay our members what they are entitled to – we are not going away.”
– a celebration of diversity THE newly-formed NIPSA LGB&T Group proudly celebrated its existence in a spectacular array of colour with its new banner and flags on display at this year’s Belfast, Foyle and Newry Pride Parades. The first Pride event this summer kicked off in Belfast on Saturday, July 6, followed by Foyle Pride on Saturday August 24, and ending on Saturday, August 31 with the Pride in Newry parade. NIPSA is proud to be part of this celebration of diversity of communities and cultures in Northern Ireland. We believe this public expression demonstrates our commitment to promote equality of opportunity for all regardless of colour, race, religion, political belief, sexual orientation and gender identity.
It also demonstrates our commitment to fight against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and all manifestations of discrimination and intolerance in our society.
Join NIPSA LGB&T Group
If you are interested in helping us to promote and protect the interests of our LGB&T members; to help them tackle any work-related problems they face around their sexual orientation or gender identity why not become a member of our newly-established LGB&T Group by NIPSA LGBT members and supporters on parade at Belfast Pride either filling out the application form tial at all times and will not be availbelow or join confidentially by calling Confidentiality commitment able to any other parties. NIPSA will our direct line on 028 90686566 or The information supplied on the contact you by letter, telephone or email lgbt.group@nipsa.org.uk. The form will be retained by NIPSA HQ on email with details of events, courses group is open to LGB&T members a database and will be used to comand other activities organised by the and non-LGB&T members. plete a LGB&T Group membership list. Your details will remain confiden- LGB&T Group.
Meetings 7th November at 4.30 p.m. in NIPSA HQ, 54 Wellington Park, Belfast
5th December at 4.30 p.m. in NIPSA HQ, 54 Wellington Park, Belfast
16th January at 4.30 p.m. in NIPSA HQ, 54 Wellington Park, Belfast For more details contact:
E: lgb&t.group@nipsa.org.uk or T: 028 9068 6566
All LGB&T Members and Non-LGB&T Members Welcome
NIPSA opposition to compulsory redundancies at Derry City Council
NIPSA has voiced its concern at the lack of consultation over a management restructuring exercise at Derry City Council. The initiative was launched after the appointment of Sharon O’Connor as DCC Chief Executive. The union has opposed the lack of consultation on the implementation of these plans and has continued to raise concerns about the possibility of compulsory redundancies. From the initial implementation stage, management were quick to dismiss NIPSA’s concerns and repeated assurances that there were no plans to make anyone compulsorily redundant. In August it became apparent that this was increasingly likely and the local Branch began a campaign to oppose these redundancies and to examine what other options might exist to resolve this. The campaign involved several lunchtime protests and building a consensus across the local area.
This included support from community groups, Derry Trades Council, politicians, media and regular meetings with the political leadership of Derry City Council. In September, a meeting took place with Branch members who gave unanimous support for industrial action as part of the campaign. NIPSA Official Alan Law told NIPSA Reports: “Working alongside the local Branch committee, we have demonstrated how effective NIPSA is for our members, we have participated in many meetings in recent weeks with the various political groups, particularly because the management of Derry City Council denied us the opportunity to attend the formal council meetings to address our concerns. “The campaign against these redundancies has resulted in an outcome which has met the needs of the members affected. I am hopeful that we will see a significant improvement in industrial relations going forward.”