The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) has moved to make a fresh round of job cuts, further to the recent redundancies of four of the Society's regional managers. The ASI has refused to implement a Labour Court recommendation for an enhanced severance payout in respect of the regional managers. The union is concerned that further job cuts will again be implemented without consultation with worker representatives.

IMPACT has called on the ASI to implement the Labour Court's recommendation on the enhanced redundancy, but the Society has confirmed that its position remains unchanged. ASI continues to express “respect” for the Labour Court, while refusing to implement its recommendation. ASI has previously told IMPACT it does not engage on a “collective” basis, is not prepared to discuss issues like pay with the union, and that the organisation does not consider itself to be in a collective bargaining situation.

The latest move to cut more jobs at ASI was initiated by the CEO, Gerry Martin, who wrote to the Society's regional administration officers, informing them that after “analysis and review” there will be only four new administrative officer roles in the ASI’s ‘New Operations' structure. They have been invited to apply for the new posts.

IMPACT official Ashley Connolly has said that the approach of management is similar to the process that led to the regional manager redundancies. She explained “The workers had been let go after being forced to re-apply for positions within the organisation, despite being told that redeployment options would be made available.” The four managers concerned had between 11 and 16 years experience and were informed that they had been unsuccessful in applying for the new posts.

The approach of management has already alienated one of its high profile advocates, as broadcaster Pat Kenny has cut his ties with the Society as a result of the redundancies.

Ashley says the union is determined to hold the employer to account. “The Society cannot continue to take state funding while it wilfully ignores the industrial relations procedures observed by its main funding body. It has taken an aggressive adversarial approach which is already causing harm to the public profile of the organisation.

“To lose a high profile advocate in these circumstances indicates the kind of loss of goodwill which will hurt ASI in the longer run. All we want is a fair hearing for the workers in ASI. If the Society continues down this path, treating loyal and hardworking staff with open contempt, it will inflict considerable damage on itself. We are in a position to prevent that from happening, but they need to engage with us" she said.

IMPACT is seeking to have a requirement, to utilise the state's industrial relations mechanisms, included in all service level agreements.