News
NIPSA Industrial Action Ballot
28/10/2011
NIPSA ballot on industrial action will shortly be concluded.
Click here for pdf version.
Bulletin A/17/11
To: NIPSA Branch Secretaries (3MM & 6FF)
General Council (1AA)
Civil Service Group Executive Committee (1DD)
Public Officers’ Group Executive Committee (1EE)
Seconded Officers (3KL)
HQ Officials (Int 1)
28th October 2011
NIPSA INDUSTRIAL ACTION BALLOT
Dear Colleague
As you will be aware the NIPSA ballot on industrial action will shortly be concluded. The NIPSA General Council is scheduled to meet in the afternoon of 7th November 2011 to consider the results and make a decision on the way forward. A bulletin will be issued after this meeting advising members as to the outcome of the ballot. The ballot is being conducted by the independent scrutineer, Electoral Reform Services, based in London.
The General Council is very encouraged by the response of members, at meetings, in workplaces and in conversations with local NIPSA representatives. The overall impression is that members are heeding the call to take a stand in defence of their pensions, jobs and pay and we hope this will be reinforced by a strong “yes” vote for strike action and action short of strike action.
We have also been greatly encouraged by the large numbers of non- members who have joined the union in the last three weeks. Over 500 new members have joined NIPSA during this period clearly in response to the unions’ determination to defend the interests of public servants and the communities that rely upon the services members deliver.
In the last few days remaining before the ballot closes the General Council is asking all representatives to make a special effort to remind members who have not yet voted to do so and to encourage them to vote “yes” to both questions on the ballot paper. Members will need to post their ballot papers not later than 3rd November so that they arrive in time with the independent scrutineer by 7th November.
In anticipation of a positive outcome to the ballot branches should start soon to give some consideration to the organisation of picket lines. NIPSA HQ will, in the event of a “yes” vote, be issuing guidelines on picket lines, trade union organised protests and marches and will be making available a range of material including posters, placards, leaflets, stickers and other material. We will also need to step up the campaign to deliver the maximum turnout on 30th November 2011.
Recruitment of new members
It is important that NIPSA increases its membership penetration and density in all areas of the public sector. The increase in membership over the last few weeks demonstrates clearly that staff in all areas of the public service will join NIPSA if they are approached and asked to do so. The General Council is extremely appreciative of the efforts of branches to increase NIPSA membership levels. Branches can access recruitment materials by contacting Lesley-Anne Scott or Membership Office at NIPSA HQ either by telephone or e-mail (membership@nipsa.org.uk). The greater the percentage membership the more effective and stronger we become. Keep up the good work.
Yours sincerely
BRIAN CAMPFIELD
General Secretary
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