The NETB branch of IMPACT has withdrawn the industrial action that commenced on 16^th June, following a conciliation process at the Labour Relations Commission chaired by Michael Keegan.

The action arose in a dispute over management’s failure to reach agreement on issues arising from the establishment of the new bodies, and the transfer of services previously delivered by FÁS and currently managed by SOLAS, and to agree a framework to deal comprehensively with workloads, the filling of vacancies, the consolidation of long-term acting positions, and the intense effort required to absorb SOLAS staff and structures.

In a letter sent to members today (Friday), branch chair Gerard Lyons said “In the view of the NETB Branch committee, acceptance of this document begins a controlled and ongoing process on future staffing issues. We note that up to 40, and probably some more, posts will be upgraded in the immediate future.“

He added “Should management not implement the agreement, or should local meetings with CEOs not take place, we have recourse to LRC under the last paragraph of Mr. Keegan’s document. The Education Division of IMPACT has made clear its strong support for future industrial action should it be required.”

He said that the branch committee expected that “a great deal of vital work will have been done to give life to this agreement” before mid-Autumn.

A copy of the LRC’s report is available here.