I wish to advise members that NIPSA met with the Management Side yesterday to commence negotiations on the pay claim.
As members will already be aware the NICS pay claim for 2016 is as follows:
- A 3% increase on all points of all pay scales including the maximum points.
- Scale shortening to move in the 2016/17 year to a 3 point pay scale with the longer term view of moving to a single pay point (the maximum of the scale) for each grade.
- Those on the maximum should receive a consolidated increase of either a percentage or value amount.
- Anyone on temporary promotion should be guaranteed an increase of not less than the quantum applied to all other staff.
NIPSA was advised that the Finance Minister is considering the wider public sector pay position before giving pay remit clearance to Management Side. NICS pay remit approval is required before substantive negotiations can commence.
While members will be disappointed that substantive negotiations have not yet commenced I can assure you that NIPSA will be keeping the pressure on to ensure negotiations do not become protracted and elongated.
The Civil Service Group Executive Committee is due to meet on 19 September and will be considering this issue in more detail.
As soon as further information is available a further bulletin will be issued.
Alison Millar
General Secretary