Discussions aimed at agreeing an ‘action plan’ for local government sector reforms are expected to be completed shortly. The action plan will outline measures to be implemented under the reform provisions of the new public service agreement, Building Momentum.

The union has told the employers that the new deal presents an opportunity to build on the spirit of flexibility and commitment shown by council staff and other public servants during the Covid-19 emergency. But it says the short duration and modest pay adjustments in Building Momentum are also relevant to the scope of proposed changes.

The agreement, which requires management to consult with unions on action plans in each sector, acknowledges public servants’ “unprecedented display of commitment, flexibility, hard work and agility in public service provision” during the pandemic.

It commits the parties to harness this momentum to meet challenges like the continuing response to Covid-19, keeping schools open, establishing best practice on remote working, and addressing digitisation.

Fórsa and other local authority unions met management representatives last week. The group of unions are to give a collective response to management proposals, but pointed out that some of the areas identified are covered by existing collective agreements.

As well as modest pay adjustments this year and next, Building Momentum includes a process to address the so-called ‘Haddington Road hours,’ with money set aside next year to fund changes to working time for those affected.

The pay provisions are strongly skewed towards the lower paid, with higher percentage increases for those earning less than €50,000. The deal also includes a sectoral bargaining provision, worth 1% of pay, and strong protections against outsourcing.

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