The following is a brief update to NIPSA members working in Libraries NI following the inaugural Joint Negotiating Committee meeting held on Friday 24 July 2009.

 

The Constitution of the Libraries NI Negotiating Committee is almost agreed with NIPSA holding 4 of the 7 TUS seats on the Committee. NIPSA’s representatives on the Committee are Alison Millar, Assistant Secretary, NIPSA, John McKeegan, NIPSA Branch Secretary, Helen Grimes and Mary McVeigh.

 

 

NIPSA proposed the opening hours for Libraries NI during the period 29-31 December 2009 should as a maximum be 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. NIPSA believes this would facilitate a mainly female workforce during the festive period many of whom have the main caring role. However Management Side have indicated they are not minded to agree this arrangement but agreed to reflect further on the opening hours particularly on 31 December 2009.

 

In addition NIPSA formally sought the Management Side to give staff a discretionary ‘day for a day’ over the Christmas period. As many of the staff in the former Boards have historically received a day for a day for a significant period of time NIPSA believe this is a TUPE transfer issue. NIPSA will continue to pursue this avenue with the Libraries NI Management Side and consider, if necessary, issuing legal proceedings.

 

 

Management Side have advised that all monthly paid staff will receive their first pay direct from Libraries NI in July. Lunar paid staff will continue to receive their pay from their former Education and Library Board. For the first month pay slips will be posted to home addresses. Any queries in the first instance should be directed through your line manager. Advice and assistance will be available from NIPSA. You should contact NIPSA Branch Secretary John McKeegan on 07850 986181.

 

NIPSA has raised a number of concerns over the availability and recording of personal data such as National Insurance Numbers, reason for sick absence and medical information on the Time and Attendance System. While Management Side have agreed to address the National Insurance Number issue with the system providers they are not minded to change the medical information and who has access i.e. line managers, payroll and human resources. NIPSA believes that staff should be allowed to record their sick absence as personal and advise personnel of the reason for absence. Payroll staff do not in our view need to have access to the medical details, they just need to know the person was authorised sick to enable appropriate payment. NIPSA is seeking further advice from the Information Commissioner on this issue.

 

 

Negotiations continue on appropriate pay protection arrangements following restructuring. Further information will be provided in due course.

 

 

NIPSA raised the issue of Swine Flu and the potential impact for service. It was agreed to set up a separate sub-group to deal with this issue with a view to issuing guidance and advice as soon as possible. This guidance would address issues such as terms and conditions, absence and caring for dependents.

 

 

Management Side have indicated their intention to issue a targeted expression of interest circular, to certain non front-line staff, seeking expressions of interest in voluntary severance.

 

 

NIPSA has submitted a claim that the current practice of ceasing to pay Essential Car Users Allowance after 3 months for staff on Maternity and Adoption leave is unlawful and should continue to be paid for all of the Ordinary Maternity or Adoption Leave period. Management Side are considering NIPSA’s claim.

 

 

Operations Managers: The closing date for the 4 Operations Managers posts is 29 July with interviews expected to take place on 18 August 2009.

 

Finance Admin Officer: The closing date is 29 July 2009.

 

Organisational Development: This post has been offered as a secondment for 2 years. The closing date is 29 July 2009.

 

Stock Manager: The Stock Manager post is advertised with a closing date of 21 August 2009.

 

HR Posts: These posts were not filled internally and have been publicly advertised.

 

Assets Manager & Assistant Assets Officer: These posts are due to be trawled week commencing 27 July 2009.

 

Head of Strategic Marketing: The grading of this post is yet to be determined.