Fórsa has called for an urgent meeting with local government employers after they threatened to renege on agreed pay increases for civil defence officers.

Management made the move after the officers resolved not to undertake new duties until their claim for the appointment of assistants was agreed and implemented.

In a letter to the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which represents council employers, Fórsa’s head of local government, Peter Nolan, said the union would not tolerate pay threats to civil defence staff.

“We will not hesitate to robustly defend members’ interests, particularly in circumstances where the employers are threatening pay after having previously acknowledged the merits of our claim. There would be vast implications for the service should members withdraw their enormous voluntary efforts,” he said.

Civil defence officers have been instrumental in coordinating the local authority response to the coronavirus pandemic, including supports to vulnerable members of the public. However, senior volunteers are sometimes required to take on duties that are only appropriate to employees because of a lack of resources.

It’s been over 18 months since the issue was first raised, yet there still hasn’t been any significant progress made.

“The public would be better served if management would simply provide a solution to this problem as the continuation of services relies exclusively on voluntary time and hours given by civil defence officers,” said Peter.

The union is awaiting response from the LGMA and has made it clear it’s available to meet at short notice.

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.