Vets set on action
by Hazel Gavigan
 
The head of Fόrsa’s local government division, Peter Nolan, said result made it clear that the vets are willing to do whatever it takes to protect their jobs.
The head of Fόrsa’s local government division, Peter Nolan, said result made it clear that the vets are willing to do whatever it takes to protect their jobs.

Local authority vets have voted unanimously in favour of taking industrial action over a proposal to transfer them from council employment to the Food Safety Authority Ireland (FSAI).

 

The proposal arose after the County and City Management Association (CMMA) and the FSAI failed to agree the renewal of a ‘service-level agreement,’ which covers the cost of inspections of small abattoirs including craft butchers and artisan food producers.

 

The head of Fόrsa’s local government division, Peter Nolan, said result made it clear that the vets are willing to do whatever it takes to protect their jobs.

 

“This sends a clear message to the two public bodies involved that we will not be the meat in the sandwich of their dispute. It’s time now for meaningful engagement with council employers to discuss the future of the service and reach a satisfactory conclusion,” he said.

 

Fórsa previously welcomed a three-month extension of negotiations on the issue. However, the union also says the FSAI has threatened to outsource the work to another, unnamed, agency. This would result in taxpayers paying twice for the same service.

 

Under a service level agreement between the CCMA and the FSAI, local authority vets provide food safety controls, including inspection of all animals before and after slaughter, at around 600 food businesses that supply meats to retailers and establishments including nursing homes, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and canteens.

 

They also support small-scale and artisan businesses, which contribute to local economies and underpin employment in farming and the agri-food sector. As well as regulating the sector, the vet service supports mentoring, support and training in the sector.

 

The union wrote to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform requesting arbitration on the dispute. Concerns have since been referred to the government departments involved.

 

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

 

 

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