Local authority staff in Carlow have welcomed a decision by the Labour Court recommending the introduction of a flexi-time scheme by 1^st February 2015.

IMPACT and SIPTU trade unions had sought the introduction of a flexi-time scheme at Carlow County Council for a number of years. IMPACT assistant general secretary Shay Clinton explained that management at the local authority had always resisted efforts to discuss its introduction.

IMPACT members working at the Dublin and Shannon Airport Authorities will be balloted next month on proposals to address the IASS pension deficit. IMPACT is one of four unions balloting workers at the airport authorities in the coming weeks. Assistant general secretary Johnny Fox said that preparations for a ballot are now underway and a series of information meetings for members  will commence on Monday 1st December.

IMPACT’s Developing World Fund has responded to an urgent request from Public Services International (PSI) to support PSI’s aid fund in the fight against the Ebola virus.

PSI provides immediate relief and assistance of PSI members and their families, especially in cases where health workers have died and their families have no access to social protection. Deaths to health workers account for one in every ten who have died. Many PSI members have been killed in the line of duty.

IMPACT, which is affiliated to PSI, has made a donation of €10,000 to the Ebola aid fund. The money comes from the union’s developing world fund, made up of 3% of each member’s union subscription, which helps trade union solidarity and development projects around the world.