SIPTU FAI members to meet on threatened job losses and management nonengagement

SIPTU members at the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have condemned what they is the organisation’s failure to respond to their Union on a request for an urgent meeting concerning a job cuts plan which could see up to one third of the workforce being made redundant.

The workers will meet tomorrow to discuss their response to the moves that threaten not only their livelihoods but also the future of grassroots football across the country.

At the meeting they will discuss the reactivation of the Our Union, Our Team publicity campaign in defence of jobs and the community programmes that underpin Irish football.

SIPTU Services Divisional Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “The FAI has shown utter contempt for its staff by outsourcing critical decisions about their futures to consultants while refusing to engage in proper consultation with their representatives. This is an insult to workers who have dedicated their careers to Irish football.

“Our Union has written to the organisation and made clear if it does not engage with respect with it employees chosen representatives we will be forced to consider all means open to us to pursue this issue including industrial action.”

He added: “This unacceptable behaviour by management follows years of hard work by FAI staff to rebuild the reputation and capacity of the organisation following a period of crisis. Staff have been central to the delivery of community and grassroots football initiatives which are now under threat from the scale of redundancies planned. These initiatives include the running of local leagues, youth development structures and vital programmes such as Football for All, which provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to play the game.”

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Robbie Purfield, said: “We are seeking an urgent meeting with the FAI CEO and the responsible government ministers, including the Minister for Sport, to demand accountability and proper engagement. We have also written to Sport Ireland to engage with it on this issue.

“The refusal of the FAI to consult staff on this crude cost-cutting exercise risks long-lasting damage to the foundations of Irish football.

“That is why our members have decided to reactivate the public aspect of the Our Union, Our Team campaign to bring the issue of gross mismanagement at the FAI once more to the top of the political agenda.”

He added: “The FAI’s ability to support communities and nurture the next generation of players will be fatally undermined by these plans.

“The FAI needs major reform, we have called for this for years. These reforms include a worker representative being appointed to the Board and many other issues to ensure this sporting organisation is fit for purpose.”