Fórsa has started a nationwide ballot of ICT (information and communication technology) staff members in local authorities, following what the union describes as “years of management inaction” on recognising the professional status, pay, and responsibilities of ICT staff. The ballot, which opened on Monday 24 November, closes on 5 December.

Fórsa National Secretary Richy Carrothers said the union has sought meaningful engagement with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) on pay, grading, and recognition for ICT roles for more than five years.

“Despite strong and detailed proposals and reports presented by Fórsa representatives, and engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), there has been no tangible progress. Our members’ patience has, understandably, run out after years of management inaction and deferral tactics.

“Local authorities are struggling to retain ICT workers. Morale is low and the Government’s digitalisation goals are at risk. Our members are organising on this critical issue, and that’s why this ballot is taking place,” he said.

Carrothers added that workloads for ICT staff have grown in scale and complexity, while pay has remained static: “The introduction of mandatory third-level qualifications acknowledges that the role has fundamentally changed, yet pay and grading have not kept pace,” he said.

The ballot focuses on three key union claims:

• A sector-wide review of ICT grading and pay, benchmarking ICT roles against other professional groups and public sector bodies where equivalent roles are graded higher.
• The establishment of a National ICT Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee, a joint body to oversee career paths, training, and skills development.
• A nationally agreed framework for out-of-hours work, ensuring fair, consistent compensation for duties that have become routine in ICT services.

The union will ballot around 300 ICT local authority staff nationwide, although this number is expected to grow as there has been a surge in ICT membership in recent weeks. Carrothers said there is an existential threat to local government services if they don’t take it seriously. “In the event of industrial action there would be inevitable impacts on people in the political system, to the public and internal users,” he noted.

Paul Barker, Chair of Fórsa’s ICT Committee in local authorities, said it’s demoralising to see their work undervalued while expectations rise. “We’re committed to keeping services running for the public, but we need recognition and fair treatment. The union’s proposals are designed to ensure ICT roles are properly resourced and recognised as the backbone of local government digital services.”

“Members have the opportunity to fight for a proper grading, a clear career path and to ensure ICT is not left behind. Our members’ goodwill has been taken for granted, that needs to stop. It’s time for action. Collective action is the key to making sure the value of our work, our expertise, and the responsibilities we carry can no longer be overlooked. This is our moment to ensure ICT is recognised,” Barker pointed out.