The Civil Service divisional conference took place last week in Galway, running from Wednesday 28th May to Friday 30th May. Delegates came together from across the division’s branches to discuss and debate motions and elect a new divisional executive committee (DEC).

Deputy general secretary and head of the Civil Service division Éamonn Donnelly underlined the importance of delegates taking part in conference. He said: “We had a great conference, defined by active participation and great cooperation. Led by your new chair Jean Taylor and vice chairs Cormac Donoghue and Darragh Fox this division will go from strength to strength and build upon the great work of Helen Linehan, Sue Kelly and Darragh Fox.”

Delegates also adopted a new strategy for the division called Playing Our Part – Together. You can read it here. 

With close to 100 motions on the agenda delegates passed motions on issues including blended work, pay, mobility, grading and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Read more about motions brought by members here.

In her opening address to conference on Wednesday outgoing chair Helen Linehan welcomed delegates to conference and reminded delegates that the motions brought forward at conference can have a wide-ranging impact. She said: “These decisions will shape our policy positions and negotiating priorities. But they will also help to shape the everyday experience of thousands of members working across the Civil Service — people whose professionalism, integrity and commitment provide solid foundations to the functioning of the State.”

Later that day Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan addressed delegates. He  provided an overview of the recent history of public service pay negotiations and explaining the importance of local bargaining. He said: “Local bargaining is vital. It is essential to ensure fairness and equity for our members. Fórsa has lodged claims that could impact pay for tens of thousands, following extensive consultation with members.”

He then went on to tell delegates that Fórsa expects negotiations on these claims to take place in good faith. On the timeline he said: “The claims won’t all be settled by next September, but we do consider that date of 1st September as sacrosanct for the beginning of the implementation of local bargaining.”

In his address to conference on Thursday morning deputy general secretary and head of division Éamonn Donnelly talked about the need to organise members on relevant issues, namely pay, working patterns, AI, outsourcing and the Civil Service Regulation (Amendment) Bill. He also spoke about the road ahead for local bargaining and recent progress on reform of the conciliation and arbitration scheme.

Éamonn told delegates that just this week he received a letter from the Department of Public Expenditure outlining the agreed principles of a new conciliation and arbitration scheme. He reminded delegates that two years ago this was deemed almost impossible. But, he said, thanks to the continued tenacity of the negotiators, we are now on the cusp of a new system of dispute resolution for civil servants that will bring tangible timelines, an end to the system of statements and counter statements, and a fair process for all.

Betty Tyrell Collard received a Distinguished Service Award and Honorary Life Membership of Fórsa. Kevin Callinan presented the awards to Betty and paid tribute to her many elected roles including Vice President of Fórsa, President of the CPSU, President of the Dublin Council of Trade Unions and as a member of the ICTU Executive Committee. He also noted that in 51 years of service Betty saw 42 Ministers come and go from her Department.

Thanking delegates and the DEC past and present Betty said “This division is my home, and it was always my home. I’ve gotten to know a lot of people over the years, and I’m delighted that there’s a new generation of people coming through to represent members.”

Congratulations to all the members who received awards. They are:

• Carmel Cotter, Revenue Clerical Branch,
• Audrey Lyons, DAFM Executive Grades Branch
• James Higgins, DAFM Executive Grades Branch
• Betty Tyrrell Collard, Dublin Central Branch
• Mary Dunne, Portlaoise CS Clerical
• Colm Henry, Justice Executive Grade
• John Healy, Tipperary General Branch 
• George Lynch, Architecture, Engineering and Heritage Services  
• Miko Sheridan, Agriculture Food & Marine No.1
• Steve Pilgrim, Ordnance Survey

As conference closed outgoing Chair Helen Linehan was thanked for her leadership, fairness, and dedication to members. Helen paid tribute to members, the DEC and staff and wished the new DEC the very best for their new term.

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