In a memo to members of the branch accompanying the ballot paper, NETB branch chairperson Ger Lyons said that administrative and management staff of the former VECs had been subject to huge organisational change, including the reduction of the number of VECs from 33 to16, and the transfer of large numbers of staff from FÁS. 

Ger said, “While elements of an agreement reached at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) on these issues are still being progressed, it was expected that the enacted legislation (the Education and Training Act 2013), would lead to clarity on functional roles and responsibilities, organisational structures and appropriate staffing arrangements. Despite our best efforts we are not in receipt of such clarity.

“We see a desire on the management side to proceed with various further initiatives including payroll, finance etc. that could lead to a loss of role, jobs and career paths in the absence of any certainty on alternative responsibilities and opportunities. That is why we fought to ensure that a dedicated process was set up under the auspices of the LRC to address the remaining concerns of IMPACT members” he said.

IMPACT assistant general secretary Stella Griffin added that further change must be approached in a manner that balances the needs of the Department of Education and Skills and NETB staff. “The ballot is precautionary in the event that the LRC process between the department, the ETBI and IMPACT fails to produce satisfactory results” she said.

NETB members approved the ballot with 81% of members voting in favour.

The ballot motion calls on NETB branch members to take industrial action, up to and including strike action, in order to achieve clarity from the Department of Education and Skills on current and future roles and responsibilities of ETBs, agreement with the department and the ETBs on organisational structures, appropriate staffing arrangements and additional functionality, and the implementation of all outstanding agreements.