GSE 02-24 Update on eir Pay Negotiations
15/March/2024
Description
I wish to update you regarding the status of the ongoing pay negotiations with senior management in eir.
As outlined at the AGMs, it is disappointing that progress to finding the basis for an acceptable pay agreement has been slow, even though a clear message of frustration has been delivered by our members in the cost-of-living survey and at AGMs all over the country.
In a further effort to establish if a way forward from the current impasse can be found, a high-level meeting, which included the General Secretary and eir’s CEO, Mr Ollie Loomes took place to examine potential next steps including the possibility of averting a ballot for industrial action.
From the Union’s perspective, we reiterated the necessity for the company to address, up front, the shortfall from the existing pay agreement, as well as recognising pay settlements elsewhere. While referral of a pay dispute to the Workplace Relations Committee (WRC) is an option, the reality is, it would be a wasteful exercise without commitment from both sides to finding an acceptable solution.
I can positively report that following this discussion, further pay negotiations have proved to be more productive. While some progress has been made, a considerable gap remains between the two organisations.
Having reviewed matters, taking into consideration all of the above, the National Executive Council has decided that external assistance by the WRC for conciliation may be useful. Based on company assurances and a commitment to meaningful engagement, the Union, in good faith, has decided that a ballot for industrial action would not be appropriate at this stage.
The Union’ s objective is to secure a reasonable pay proposal for consideration by members which ultimately will be decided in a ballot. Members can be assured of our determination to achieve the best possible pay deal, one way or another, and we have set a timeline for conclusion of discussions in advance of our Conference.