Securing further pay rises for members through the new Local Bargaining Fund headed the agenda at the LAPO Biennial Delegate Conference 2024, held in Portlaoise, County Laois on 25th September.
Approximately 30 delegates discussed accessing the Local Bargaining Fund with SIPTU Public Administration and Community Divisional Organiser Karan O Loughlin and SIPTU Local Authority Sector Organiser Brendan O’Brien
LAPO Organiser, Mark Lohan, said: “The creation of this fund was negotiated by the Union side as part of the new Public Service Agreement. It allows for a 3% value of the annual wage of an agreed group of workers to be awarded through negotiation for income improvements for the workers in the group. Local Authority Professional Officers are one such group.”
He added: “LAPO will be to the fore in crafting appropriate claims for our members to avail of this fund. The first 1% will be paid out in September 2025. The LAPO Executive Committee is currently surveying members to find out what their priority is for the fund. The LAPO Executive Committee will discuss claims in October and November. It is important that LAPO members avail of this significant benefit in the public sector pay deal.”