National Advocacy Service strike suspended after scheduled pay talks – The Irish Times

The strike at the National Advocacy Service (NAS) was suspended after a few hours on Wednesday after Siptu announced that it had received a commitment from management to consult this month on the full implementation of an Employment Tribunal recommendation on wages and working conditions.

Around 50 employees were expected to take part in the strike action and pickets were set up outside NAS offices across the country, including in Dublin, Limerick and Cork.

However, after an agreement was reached, the union announced in a statement on Wednesday afternoon that its members had suspended the action.

These staff represent the interests of persons with disabilities in their dealings with government and other official bodies, advocate for their welfare and often support them in their efforts to access housing, health and legal services.

The dispute concerns salaries and working conditions, which employees say have remained virtually unchanged. The body was established as an independent body over a decade ago.

The organisation is funded by the Citizens Information Board (CIB), which in turn is supported by the Ministry of Social Protection. NAS had said that it understood the position of its staff, but that it could not improve the situation unless support was increased to cover costs.

The Labour Court made a recommendation on new wage rates and other issues in January and the union was informed that these would now be implemented.

“We are relieved,” said Suzy Byrne, a staff member and Siptu activist. “That’s what we wanted to hear yesterday, we didn’t have to go on strike. But it’s good news for our members, the staff, both current and future, and for the people who use our services.”

“We are delighted to be able to resume our work now,” said Ms Byrne.

Talks on the implementation of the recommendation are scheduled for 24 June, with the participation of an external moderator.

In a statement, NAS National Director Joanne Condon thanked employees for returning to work and said operations would resume as normal tomorrow.

“This two-week period provides a valuable opportunity to fully address the salary issues that are at the heart of this dispute,” she said.

“Our priority remains the wellbeing and support of those who need our services and we are committed to ensuring uninterrupted service during this time.”

CIB welcomed the developments.