Staff at the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), who are members of the Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (Siptu), have put a hold on their bid for collective bargaining within the organisation due to an agreement on engagement and average salary rises for the coming two years. This pact was reached following a series of discussions between interim CEO David Courell, Siptu representatives and a range of FAI employees such as football development officers and administrative staff. The agreement sets out a plan for future interaction, allowing union reps to be part of the FAI internal staff council.
Previously, Siptu anticipated a refusal from FAI to engage in proper dialogue regarding its push for pay negotiations and improved working conditions on behalf of its membership. They criticised the management for a lack of engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission in earlier discussuions. The union was also dissatisfied with the established method of pay increments being determined on an individual basis, a procedure that may exclude staff earning similar wages to those of 15 years ago from receiving increases to offset inflation, as it was entirely based on manager’s personal evaluation.
Although this practice is set to continue, there is understanding that it will be re-evaluated, with the union aiming for a fairer outcome. It has been agreed that pay rises will average 3.5% for most staff members over coming two years, with ongoing negotiations on how future increases will be determined.
On behalf of Siptu, deputy general secretary Greg Ennis expressed His positive outlook on the FAI-Siptu engagement, while development officer and shop steward Paul Keogh called for further progress towards an FAI that supports an independent trade union to represent the voice of the workforce. Aoife Rafferty, the FAI People and Culture Director, also approved the agreement, underscoring the senior leadership team’s commitment to staff engagement and consultation.