Staff employed in local authority libraries will now be able to offer their experienced views on the library management system (LMS) pilot project. The new system has been a source of concern for IMPACT members, in terms of both operational and industrial relations issues associated with the project. Due to these concerns, the union issued a request asking members not to cooperate with the LMS.

In light of recent commitments from management, that request has now been suspended by the union, and the union’s Local Government executive has agreed to engage with the pilot project. IMPACT national secretary Peter Nolan wrote to branches at the end of February to say that management has recognised the deficits in staff involvement with the operational side of LMS.

Peter said that management “Has committed to substantially improved mechanisms for staff to input their concerns relating to the operational side of LMS at county and inter-county level” and that the union would now refer issues in relation to increased workload and the transportation of stock to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The union has received assurances in relation to the existing arrangement for stock transportation between Dublin local authorities.

He said that the union has always been supportive of the principle behind LMS, but has had concerns on the manner, methodology and functionality of the systems used to operate the project.

Peter added, “Arising from support of members for the union’s position, the Divisional Executive Committee is satisfied that there is now, for the first time, an opportunity for staff at all levels to voice their concerns about the LMS project. The union remains concerned in relation to the adequacy and functionality of the system but believes that, for the first time, there can now be input from those experienced in operating libraries throughout the country.”

Management has proposed the formation of a series of staff user groups as part of the consultation process for the project. Peter said the union’s cooperation with the project is strictly on the basis that all members would have the right to be self-nominated to these groups, in order that the user groups are fully representative of the entire workforce.

Peter thanked branches, vocational groups and members for their support on behalf of the executive, and added that the DEC was “deeply aware that a number of members were placed in very difficult circumstances during the dispute.”