Industrial action threat over decentralisation plan

CIVIL servants who are denied promotion or moved into inappropriate jobs as part of decentralisation will not be slow to take industrial action, their union has warned.

Delegates to IMPACT’s Civil Service Divisional Conference are today set to adopt a motion, calling on the union to initiate industrial action if any member is removed from a job specific to their skills, training and competencies, due to decentralisation.

The union represents 6,500 civil servants, over 850 of whom have been earmarked for decentralisation. Because they are professionals, technicians and specialists, they cannot swap jobs with non-specialist civil servants if they exercise their right to remain in Dublin when their organisations are relocated, the union says.

National secretary Peter Nolan last night told Minister of State Tom Parlon at their congress in Kilkenny that his members were worried and angry that commitments on promotions and careers, given at the outset of the process, had been abandoned.

Mr Parlon denied the claim, saying their concerns would be addressed but that decentralisation would be going ahead and on time.

“We were promised that there would be alternatives for those who wish to stay in their current location.” said Mr Nolan. “During last year’s local elections, the Taoiseach personally promised staff they would have meaningful jobs if they stayed in their present location. Yet, 18 months after decentralisation was announced, there are still no proposals to turn these promises into realities.”

Mr Nolan said morale was at an all-time low and staff were beginning to doubt the value of the Taoiseach’s word. “We remain committed to reaching an agreement on promotions and careers. But I tell you, clearly and emphatically, we will use every means at our disposal to protect our careers and promotion opportunities,” he said.

Mr Parlon said the decentralisation programme raises issues for professional and technical staff. “The Government will address all of these concerns and attempt to resolve them in a way which fully reflects its standing as a good employer.

“I should emphasise, however, that decentralisation is a policy of the Government and it will be implemented in the envisaged timescale,” the minister added.