Menu
10/05/2016
Lowest Paid Civil Service Workers Deserve Minimum Wage - IMPACT
Trade union IMPACT has demanded a living wage across the public service and fair pensions for civil service cleaners and service officers.
The union said it has heard from members who earn €373 a week – €10.08 an hour – which is below the living wage, defined as the minimum income needed to meet the basic requirements of life.
The annual general meeting of IMPACT's FGE branch heard from delegates, including service officers and cleaners and catering staff, who explained how they cannot pay bills and struggle with rising rents and additional taxes.
Delegates at the meeting unanimously called for the introduction of a living wage, which would lift new entrants to the lowest paid civil service jobs out of poverty pay. A number of motions to IMPACT's biennial conference, which takes place next week, also call for the living wage to be the minimum salary across the civil and public service.
Service officers at the meeting said they faced poverty in retirement because the state pension age has been raised from 65 to 66. It is due to rise to 67 by 2021. Delegates heard that the removal of the transitional pension meant civil servants must sign on as unemployed when they retire at 65 years, in order to receive basic social welfare entitlements after 40 years' service.
Delegates also said changes to public service pensions in 2012 penalised workers earning less than €40,000 a year, who lost €43 per week. Those earning over €40,000 were not affected in the same way.
Oireachtas chefs and catering staff said they provide meals to deputies, ministers and senators while being denied equality of opportunity because they cannot become established civil servants. They said their pensions were paltry compared to the politicians they serve.
FGE members also called for adequate staffing at the Garda training college in Templemore, saying it must significantly expand its complement of cleaning and attendant staff to take account of the increase in trainee numbers.
Delegates unanimously called for an end to the use of private sector contractors for cleaning, reception and security duties, and called on IMPACT to highlight the additional costs incurred through the use of private contractors.
(MH)
The union said it has heard from members who earn €373 a week – €10.08 an hour – which is below the living wage, defined as the minimum income needed to meet the basic requirements of life.
The annual general meeting of IMPACT's FGE branch heard from delegates, including service officers and cleaners and catering staff, who explained how they cannot pay bills and struggle with rising rents and additional taxes.
Delegates at the meeting unanimously called for the introduction of a living wage, which would lift new entrants to the lowest paid civil service jobs out of poverty pay. A number of motions to IMPACT's biennial conference, which takes place next week, also call for the living wage to be the minimum salary across the civil and public service.
Service officers at the meeting said they faced poverty in retirement because the state pension age has been raised from 65 to 66. It is due to rise to 67 by 2021. Delegates heard that the removal of the transitional pension meant civil servants must sign on as unemployed when they retire at 65 years, in order to receive basic social welfare entitlements after 40 years' service.
Delegates also said changes to public service pensions in 2012 penalised workers earning less than €40,000 a year, who lost €43 per week. Those earning over €40,000 were not affected in the same way.
Oireachtas chefs and catering staff said they provide meals to deputies, ministers and senators while being denied equality of opportunity because they cannot become established civil servants. They said their pensions were paltry compared to the politicians they serve.
FGE members also called for adequate staffing at the Garda training college in Templemore, saying it must significantly expand its complement of cleaning and attendant staff to take account of the increase in trainee numbers.
Delegates unanimously called for an end to the use of private sector contractors for cleaning, reception and security duties, and called on IMPACT to highlight the additional costs incurred through the use of private contractors.
(MH)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 April 2010
Planning Service 'To Lose Posts'
Around 300 members of staff at the Northern Ireland Civil Service are to be redeployed within the Department of Environment (DOE).
Planning Service 'To Lose Posts'
Around 300 members of staff at the Northern Ireland Civil Service are to be redeployed within the Department of Environment (DOE).
21 October 2008
Diversity Plan Launched
Workers in the Northern Ireland Civil Service are set to benefit now that the organisation has published its definitive Employment Equality and Diversity Plan. It identifies the key equality and diversity issues that the Northern Ireland Civil Service, as an employer, will address over the period 2008 to 2011.
Diversity Plan Launched
Workers in the Northern Ireland Civil Service are set to benefit now that the organisation has published its definitive Employment Equality and Diversity Plan. It identifies the key equality and diversity issues that the Northern Ireland Civil Service, as an employer, will address over the period 2008 to 2011.
06 February 2004
Government offices hit by strike action
Strike action by civil service union members in an ongoing dispute over pay has been condemned by government who have called for staff to return to work. Many government offices will remain closed today as industrial action by up to 20,000 Northern Ireland civil servants forced many offices to be shut down.
Government offices hit by strike action
Strike action by civil service union members in an ongoing dispute over pay has been condemned by government who have called for staff to return to work. Many government offices will remain closed today as industrial action by up to 20,000 Northern Ireland civil servants forced many offices to be shut down.
06 July 2010
Strike Threat Over Civil Service Redundancy
The possibility of civil service strikes has been raised, following the government's announcement that it plans to reform civil service redundancy payments. It has been confirmed that the Civil Service Compensation Scheme (CSCS) is to be reformed in order to bring it in line with the private sector.
Strike Threat Over Civil Service Redundancy
The possibility of civil service strikes has been raised, following the government's announcement that it plans to reform civil service redundancy payments. It has been confirmed that the Civil Service Compensation Scheme (CSCS) is to be reformed in order to bring it in line with the private sector.
01 June 2009
Assembly Seeks 'Equality' On Civil Service Pay
There should be equal pay for work of equal value, Stormont Finance and Personnel Minister Nigel Dodds insisted. He said on Monday that he is determined to establish a civil service pay and grading system that ensures such equality.
Assembly Seeks 'Equality' On Civil Service Pay
There should be equal pay for work of equal value, Stormont Finance and Personnel Minister Nigel Dodds insisted. He said on Monday that he is determined to establish a civil service pay and grading system that ensures such equality.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
