Croke Park deal disputes need ‘prompt’ resolution
The implementation body, chaired by former chief executive of the Courts Service PJ Fitzpatrick has told employer and trade union representatives it wants any disputes on interpretation and implementation of the agreement to be resolved as promptly and as close to the source of the dispute as possible.
If no accommodation can be found within six weeks, issues should be referred to the Labour Relations Commission and, if necessary, the Labour Court.
Only if there is a “major blockage” on implementation will the group step in and provide a role similar to the Government’s National Implementation Body.
The country’s largest solely public service trade union, IMPACT, has issued a circular to members detailing the measures outlined by the implementation body.
The union’s general secretary Shay Cody told members that while much of the new body’s communications will centre on aspects of the change programme, the “value of any change in addressing the pay issue for public servants will not be lost sight of by the body”.
“The crucial element of a trade between change and money has been impressed upon, and understood by, the body as a whole.”
One of the key factors in workers voting to accept the terms of the Croke Park deal was that there would be no pay cuts for the next four years, plus the distinct possibility that the pay cuts imposed last December would be restored, at least for lower-paid public servants.
The Teachers Union of Ireland and Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland, whose members voted against accepting the deal, are considering whether to engage on work reforms, though to do so may require another ballot of members.
