Fórsa will commence a ballot of ICT members in local authorities from next Monday (24th November), following what the union has described as “years of management inaction” on recognising the professional status, pay, and responsibilities of ICT staff. 

Fórsa national secretary Richy Carrothers said Fórsa has sought meaningful engagement with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) on pay, grading, and recognition for ICT roles for more than five years: “Despite our reps submitting detailed proposals and reports, and engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), there has been no tangible progress. Our members’ patience has, understandably, run out after years of management inaction and deferral tactics.  

“Local authorities are struggling to retain ICT workers. Morale is low and the Government’s digitalisation goals are at risk. Our members are organising on this critical issue, and that’s why this ballot is taking place,” he said.  

Richy added that workloads for ICT staff have grown in scale and complexity, while pay has remained static: “The introduction of mandatory third-level qualifications acknowledges that the role has fundamentally changed, yet pay and grading have not kept pace,” he said.  

The union will ballot around 300 ICT local authority staff nationwide, although this number is expected to grow as there has been a surge in ICT membership in recent weeks. 

Paul Barker, chair of Fórsa’s ICT Committee in local authorities, said: “It’s demoralising to see our work undervalued while expectations rise. We’re committed to keeping services running for the public, but we need recognition and fair treatment. 

“All of these proposals are designed to ensure ICT roles are properly resourced and recognised as the backbone of local government digital services.” 

The ballot focuses on three key union claims: 

• A sector-wide review of ICT grading and pay, benchmarking ICT roles against other professional groups and public sector bodies where equivalent roles are graded higher; 
• The establishment of a National ICT Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee, a joint body to oversee career paths, training, and skills development; 
• A nationally agreed framework for out-of-hours work, ensuring fair, consistent compensation for duties that have become routine in ICT services. 

Paul added: “This ballot is about fairness, respect, and building a sustainable ICT workforce for local government’s digital future. It’s time now for our members to act. Large numbers of ICT workers have joined the union over the last few weeks to join this campaign. Building our membership in this area will be critical to our success.  

“To those who are still not convinced about joining the union, or are unwilling to support industrial action, that means accepting lower grades, no clear career path, and others advancing while ICT is left behind. Your goodwill is being taken for granted, so it’s time for action.  

“Collective action is the key. If we don’t stand together and make our voice heard, decisions could be made that overlook the value of our work, our expertise, and the responsibilities we carry. This is our moment to ensure ICT is recognised,” he said. 

The ballot will open on Monday (24th November). Voter codes for the electronic ballot will issue to members and the ballot will close on Friday 5th December. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.