Public service unions propose merger

March 2004 saw the launch of a proposed merger between three of Ireland’s public service trade unions, which is expected to bring about the formation of a powerful new 72,000-member 'super-union' by 2006.

In March 2004, the executives of three public service trade unions - the Irish Municipal Public and Civil Trade Union (IMPACT), the Civil and Public Services Union (CPSU) and the Public Service Executive Union (PSEU) - agreed to put motions to their annual conferences in April and May 2004 in order to obtain approval for the opening of merger talks. The outcome of the talks would be reported to the unions' conferences in 2006 and, if approved, put to a membership vote. The move would result in the creation of a 'super-union' with 72,000 members, which would be Ireland's second-largest behind the Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU), which has over 200,000 members.

Currently, IMPACT has 50,000 members, CPSU has 13,000 and PSEU has 9,000. While the vast majority are public service employees, IMPACT has significant membership figures in some state companies, such as Aer Lingus (1,500) and has smaller numbers in some private telecommunications companies, such as Eircom.

The merger would aim to bolster trade unionism in the public services, allow the pooling of resources and give the new union a stronger hand in pay determination. This could prove to be an important factor in any further public sector pay 'benchmarking' exercise (IE0402202N) and future national pay deals. In 2002, the Public Service Benchmarking Body (PSBB) recommended a range of pay awards across the public sector (IE0207203N) and these increases are now in the process of implementation. A similar exercise is anticipated within the next two years.

The merger proposal coincides with government plans to decentralise civil service jobs to the regions. Under the decentralisation plans, which were announced by the government in the 2004 state budget in December 2003, an estimated 10,000 civil servants would move to over 50 new locations around the country. The unions are not opposed to the move, but have expressed criticism of the fact the government denied trade union requests to survey staff on their preferences. The unions are also disappointed that relocation expenses have been ruled out. A major report on decentralisation was expected to go before the government in early April 2004.

The IMPACT general secretary, Peter McCloone, said that the three unions would come to the proposed merger talks from a position of strength: 'Our unions have delivered substantial improvements in pay and conditions for our members and our success has been reflected in impressive membership growth. But trade unionists and public services are confronted by formidable challenges on the national, European and international stage.' The PSEU general secretary, Dan Murphy, said the proposal was a natural progression from the existing high level of cooperation between the unions: 'It is important to recognise that what is involved is the creation of a new union while protecting the traditions of the existing unions.' According to the CPSU general secretary, Blair Horan, the initiative arose because of the perceived need to improve services for members on a nationwide basis and maximise trade union influence at all levels.

The three unions say the objective of an amalgamation would be to:

• strengthen trade unionism within the Irish civil and public service;

• improve union services to existing members and improve their standards of living;

• improve the capacity for trade union recruitment and organisation;

• promote the principle of fair comparison in respect of public service pay;

• promote equity and equal opportunities;

• contribute to the protection and development of the Irish and international trade union movement; and

• defend public services and the people that deliver them, while protecting the tradition of democratic accountability that are valued by the three unions.