Dear members,

Please see attached Fórsa’s opening submission to the Department on the SNA contract review.  The submission lists out the key items that we wish to discuss, setting out our views on same and the supporting rationale or context.  The contract review is the first opportunity we have had since the inception of the SNA contract in 2005, to look at the myriad of issues and complications that arise for SNAs on a regular basis. 

These items will now move into a process of discussions between ourselves and the Department where we will try to find common ground and come to an agreement on the items listed.  In he event we cannot find common ground, or agreement, some items may then be referred to other mechanisms, such as the Workplace Relations Commission or the resolution structures agreed under the public service agreements.  Whilst we try to move the discussions as efficiently as possible, we cannot put a timeframe on how long they will take.  Some items may be resolved quickly, whereas others may take longer, in particular if there is greater distance between the Department and the union. 

I would ask members to the mindful, that the submission and the arguments within, do not guarantee positive outcomes.  They are our views and arguments, and whilst we are confident that we can articulate them well and stand over them, we have no control as to how they will be received or the outcome, in particular if items do end up in third parties such as the WRC.

We have adjoined items that effect each other to make the submission more coherent and compact, as there is a lot that is in it but the key items in summary are:

• Removal of the 72 Hour and June Obligations
• Review of the SNA Redundancy Scheme / Allocations / Redeployment
• Review of the Minimum Education Qualification / Accreditation
• Nature of work to be performed
• Disparities in hours breaks and certain leave entitlements
• Review of circulars and other miscellaneous items

Whilst we have welcomed the news yesterday that the Department and UCD have formally agreed to accredit the national training programme, our position with regards the level of accreditation is outlined in the attached submission and remains unchanged. 

Fórsa sought a national training programme for SNAs, we sought it be provided at no cost to SNAs, we sought that it was accredited at a minimum of a level 6 and seen it as a significant step towards professionalisation.  That was the basis for our claim and as such the announcement made yesterday meets the aspirations of that claim.  The union had no input or influence in determining the level of accreditation, which was decided between the UCD and the Department. 

We appreciate some members have voiced disappointment with the level of accreditation announced yesterday but we would ask you to consider that the argument is now no longer about whether the course should be provided, free or accredited, it is about the level of accreditation it receives and as stated our position on this matter remains as outlined in the contract review submission attached.

We will keep members apprised of developments on these items as and when they happen. 

Kind regards

Shane Lambert