News
Job Cuts in Education Sector
23/12/2010
You will no doubt be aware of the recent decision by the Department to bring forward a Voluntary Severance Scheme across the Education Sector. I thought it was important to outline NIPSA's position so members are clear where your union stands on this matter.
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- The Department’s decision to make up to £25m available for this scheme was not done with NIPSA’s agreement.
- NIPSA has made it clear in correspondence to senior officials in the Department that we are opposed to all job cuts (a copy of this correspondence can be obtained from your Branch Secretary). We view these cuts as an attack on the provision of a quality education service to young people.
- NIPSA highlighted to the Department our view that the use of this particular and severance scheme was an attempt to prepare the way for RPA and ESA on the cheap.
- We made it clear that our members cannot be expected to cover the work left behind by those who decide to leave under this scheme. Employers will have to decide what work is left undone.
- We have sought meetings with the Education Minister and the Assembly Committee as well as further meetings with senior officials.
- NIPSA views this initial removal of 250 posts as just the commencement of what will be a savage attack on our members, with the real possibility of thousands of jobs to be lost in the coming few years.
- If the Department proceeds with plans for further job cuts on top of these 250 posts NIPSA is of the strong view that members must prepare to stand up for both their jobs and the protection of Education services to the community. Action, including Industrial Action will be considered as we build a campaign against these cuts.
- When the Department’s Spending Plans for the next 4 years are published shortly for public consultation we will arrange Branch Meetings in all areas during January. I would encourage as many of you as possible to attend and contribute to the debate on how to build this campaign of opposition.
A further bulletin will be issued when we have made arrangements for the Branch meeting.
Yours sincerely
PADDY MACKEL
Assistant Secretary
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