Despite progress in recent weeks, talks with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) have come to an impasse, as management claims they lack the mandate to discuss pay.  

The LGMA confirmed their position at the Tuesday 7th July meeting of the working group established to manage the restructuring and professionalisation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) grades in local authorities.

Paul Barker, chair of Fórsa's ICT Committee in local authorities, expressed frustration at the sudden change in the LGMA’s position.  

He said: “They have said they will reject any grading outcome that has pay consequences. They are separating salary from grades; it makes absolutely no sense.” 

According to Paul, the LGMA’s change in position has created a significant obstacle in a previously functioning process. 

He said: “Up to the 24th of June the tone was positive, but something has shifted dramatically.” 

The next meeting of the ICT working group at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) will take place on Tuesday 18th August. Paul described the meeting as: “the make-or-break date for the process.” 

Ahead of the meeting in August, the union’s local authorities ICT Committee have begun to consider how they might lift the suspension of industrial action. 

Head of the local government and local services division, Richy Carrothers said: “Our negotiating team recognises that a satisfactory professionalisation and restructuring of ICT in local authorities cannot be achieved without changes in grades and associated pay.” 

“If the LGMA lack the authority to discuss pay, then whoever has that authority needs to be at the table,” he continued. 

According to Richy, the LGMA’s sudden change in position threatens to undermine the process. 

He said: “We engaged in good faith and for some time that good faith appeared to be reciprocated. This sudden change in the LGMA’s position is not only a breach of the agreed terms of the process, but a breach of trust.” 

“If our members lose faith in the process, we will have no choice but to consider a return to industrial action. Whatever members decide to do, we will be there to support them,” Richy concluded. 

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