Oversight Body issues strong statement on Roscommon dispute

Roscommon council staff prepare for fourth day of strike action

Fórsa trade union has welcomed today’s statement by the National Oversight Body in relation to its dispute with management at Roscommon County Council over the non-implementation of family friendly policies.

Council staff represented by Fórsa are preparing for their fourth day of strike action tomorrow (Tuesday 3rd July). Last week, the council’s 50 members represented by the Siptu/LAPO (Local Government Professional Officers) branch announced it would be supporting the strike action.

Responding to the statement by the National Oversight Body, Peter Nolan, head of Fórsa’s Local Government division, said: “The Oversight Body’s strong criticism of management’s failure to facilitate access to family-friendly work policies is especially welcome.

This lays down a very clear challenge to management to re-engage and to develop proposals for the full implementation of family-friendly policies.

“I think this lays down a very clear challenge to management to re-engage and to develop proposals for the full implementation of family-friendly policies, as defined in the current public service agreement.

“Realistically, these are the only circumstances under which it would be possible for our members to suspend industrial action.“ he said.

The statement by the National Oversight Body concludes that, in order for Roscommon County Council, as an employer, to prevent itself to breaching the terms of the Public Service Stability Agreement (2018-2020), that it re-engage in the pilot scheme process, and develop proposals for full implementation of family-friendly policies through the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

The statement says that unions are asked to suspend industrial action on confirmation of such arrangements by the council.