Unite members at NSAI vote for industrial action over job concerns

Members of the Unite trade union at the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) have overwhelmingly voted for industrial action. The union claims NSAI management is proposing compulsory redundancies and staff reassignments without agreement, actions it says contradict public sector practices.

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Instead of setting standards, the NSAI is flouting standards and undermining industrial relations in the public sector at a crucial juncture.

Unite regional officer Ed Thompson criticized the NSAI, stating, "Instead of setting standards, the NSAI is flouting standards and undermining industrial relations in the public sector at a crucial juncture." He revealed that the NSAI has sought sanction for compulsory redundancies from the Departments of Enterprise and Public Expenditure.

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They have sought sanction for compulsory redundancies from the Departments of Enterprise and Public Expenditure.

Thompson urged both departments to refuse sanction for redundancies and to instruct the NSAI to negotiate meaningfully with Unite regarding proposed reassignments. The industrial action is set to begin Tuesday. Initially, product reviewers will cease billable work related to conformity assessments, and auditors will restrict their availability to daily contracted hours, including travel time. The NSAI has been contacted for comment.

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I would urge both Departments to refuse sanction for compulsory redundancies, and also to instruct the NSAI to engage meaningfully with Unite on any proposed reassignments.