As preparations for the upcoming ballot of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) workers in local authorities continue, the Local Government and Local Services Division’s ICT Committee has prepared an information leaflet for members, and are urging members to make sure the union has their up to date contact details.

The leaflet will be distributed in the coming weeks with the intention of informing ICT members of the specifics of the dispute and encouraging members to take the time to vote and have their say in the ballot. 

Head of division Richy Carrothers said: “We want to make sure our ICT members are fully informed and have their say in the upcoming ballot."

“From retention to morale, there are serious issues facing ICT staff in local authorities. It is important that members have their say to shape the next steps. The management response is entirely unreasonable and unsustainable" he continued.

In recent years, the roles of ICT staff have expanded in scale and complexity, evident not just by increasing workload but also from the introduction of mandatory third-level qualifications across all ICT grades. 

In recognition of the change in qualifications required and workload, Fórsa has been seeking a sector-wide review of ICT grading and pay, benchmarked against other professional cohorts and public sector bodies, the establishment of the National ICT CPD committee, and a formal, nationally agreed framework for out-of-hours work and compensation. 

While Fórsa has engaged with management for a number of years, management have shown a lack of meaningful engagement and used deferral tactics to avoid resolving these issues. 

Richy said: “Our members want to work in the local authorities, but increased workloads without commensurate pay increases and persistent undervaluing of their work is driving workers into the private sector and other parts of the public sector.” 

Chair of the ICT Committee Paul Barker called on members to talk to their colleagues about how important it is to join the union now, before any potential industrial action.  

He said: “The more of us that are in the union, the louder our voices will be. Our work is mission critical to local authorities and it is high time that is recognised. We need to stand together now to show we won’t continue to settle for less than we deserve.” 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.