My Article of 10 May gave a brief overview of the current situation in relation to the punitive budget set by the Secretary of State and our continuing pay campaign which includes the lobbying of the political parties. There is no doubt that the points raised by NIPSA are being echoed in statements made by political parties.
As previously advised, the ongoing delay in a return to an Assembly has made it difficult for us to make progress on pay. As part of our campaign, I wrote to the Secretary of State to seek a meeting. The Northern Ireland Office has eventually responded to my letters, but the response puts the onus for resolving pay back onto local parties. It does not address the budget cuts and crisis created by Westminster, nor the failure to provide enough money to resolve the pay claims for civil servants and other public sector workers.
For that reason, the Civil Service Executive Committee has agreed that we need to bring more pressure to bear on the Secretary of State to make the money available. The letter from the NIO states that they wish “to continue to ensure that civil servants are best supported in the vital work across public services”. We need to put pressure on them to put money behind that statement.
To mark the imposition of the derisory and insulting award which will be implemented in June, the Executive Committee has called a protest on Wednesday 28 June. The protest will take place from 12.30 – 1.30pm at the Northern Ireland Office, Erskine House, Chichester Street, Belfast.
At the next Civil Service Executive Committee meeting on 26 June, there will be further strategic discussion about the dispute and about our action short of strike action and possible selective action.
As previously advised, the campaign remains a priority for the Executive Committee, and we will ensure that it is raised at every opportunity and in all fora to ensure it is given the prominence you expect.
Please encourage your members to attend the pay day protest on 28 June.