News
Equal Pay Update
25/11/2010
This circular is being issued to update members on the position in respect of the implementation of the NICS equal pay terms of settlement.
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Branch Secretary Circular CS 28/10
Dear Colleague
EQUAL PAY UPDATE
This circular is being issued to update members on the position in respect of the implementation of the NICS equal pay terms of settlement.
There are a number of areas in which NIPSA is continuing to make representations to have the terms of the NICS equal pay settlement applied. The current position is as follows:-
PSNI/Former Service with PSNI
Despite the fact that a paper was submitted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) around October 2010 to the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) there has been no indication if Management is to approve application of the settlement (lump sum) payment to PSNI staff.
In addition NICS Management has maintained its position of refusing to recognise former service in the PSNI as reckonable service for the purposes of equal pay calculations for staff who now work in an NICS Department.
NIPSA did meet the Minister, David Ford making robust representations in respect of the full terms of settlement being applied to PSNI staff. To date we have not received a response from the Minister however contact is being made with his office requesting a formal response to our representations.
NIPSA is also concerned that PSNI staff have not received their 2009 pay increases following the settlement reached in the NICS in respect of 2009 pay. We are advised that PSNI Management still awaits formal approval from its funding Department (DOJ) to apply the revised 2009 rates of pay. PSNI Management state that all steps are being taken to have the increases paid as soon as possible.
NIPSA has heavily criticised Management for the delay in applying the 2009 pay settlement and has requested a payment to staff in December. However we have not received a positive response. As the difficulty appears to rest with DOJ, further representations are being made at that level in an attempt to have the matter resolved and arrears paid to staff prior to Christmas. This delay is totally unacceptable and NIPSA has conveyed to Management Side the justifiable anger amongst staff at the continued non payment of arrears to which they are entitled. Members in a number of NDPBs have also not received their 2009 annual pay increase and NIPSA is pursuing the issue for these members as well as for members in PSNI.
DOJ/Former Service with NIO
The refusal of Management responsible for members in DOJ to apply the NICS equal pay terms was also raised at the meeting with the Minister. As stated previously we are seeking a formal response to our representations. Those members now working in an NICS Department having former service in the NIO have also had that service discounted in equal pay settlement calculations. Despite our further representations to the NICS on that matter they continue to insist such service is non reckonable for the purposes of equal pay settlements.
NI Water
Following the paper placed before the Board, NI Water Management has advised they wish to enter discussions with NIPSA in respect of equal pay matters. At present we understand discussions are taking place between NI Water, DRD and DFP. We would hope that formal discussions with NIPSA will be initiated shortly.
Non Departmental Public Bodies
Clarity is being sought from Non Departmental Public Bodies that apply NICS rates of pay about their business cases. Further representations may be required at sponsoring Department level in order to ensure the business cases are being progressed to DFP for approval.
Potential Legal Action
While representations have continued with the respective Management Sides, NIPSA has had further consultation with our legal advisers. Work has been undertaken to identify a number of members who are agreeable to being listed in cases under legal proceedings. This work is nearing completion and NIPSA intend to lodge cases where we are advised there is a legal basis to do so if Management fail to confirm application of the NICS equal pay terms.
Comprehensive Pay and Grading Review
Following further discussions with Management about the basis on which the Comprehensive Pay and Grading Review should be conducted, NIPSA is in the process of submitting revised draft terms of reference. It is anticipated that detailed work can commence under the review once terms of reference are agreed. It is important that terms of reference reflect protections for members in accordance with the policy established in Resolutions on the Comprehensive Pay and Grading Review from the 2010 Civil Service Group Conference.
Review of TGI and TGII Grades
NIPSA has had discussions this week with NICS Management pressing for progress on the Review of TGI and TGII grades. NIPSA is submitting names of its representatives on the Joint Working Group being established to take the matter forward. NIPSA has made clear that the Joint Working Group is to consider the Human Resource issues emanating from the Review findings and to produce recommendations to the Central Whitley Pay, Grading and Allowances Committee in respect of these matters.
Further updates will be provided to report on any developments in these matters.
Yours sincerely
KIERAN BANNON
Assistant General Secretary
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