A Bill that would create a single employing authority for government staff has moved a step closer to becoming law.
At present all civil servants are employed by the Civil Service Commission while manual and craft workers are employed by their departments or boards, but under terms and conditions set by the Whitley Council, which is a joint employer/union negotiating forum.
A new body – The Public Services Commission – would replace these under the Public Services Commission Bill, and cover 4,000 staff, half the total.
The Bill’s second reading was unanimously passed in the House of Keys this week.
Moving the Bill, Minister for Policy and Reform Chris Robertshaw MHK told the House that simplifying employment structures would help harmonise terms and conditions, and both streamline and modernise collective bargaining arrangements.
Both Onchan MHK Peter Karran and Douglas East MHK Brenda Cannell asked Mr Robertshaw what the unions’ positions were, and what input they have had.
The Minister replied: ‘Are we embracing unions in this? Yes we are.’
He said it wasn’t about ‘limiting’ union involvement but ‘stabilising’ it.
Michael MHK Alfred Cannan gave his support, saying the new body would prevent one section of the workforce using another as a way to get a better deal.
The Commission would consist of a chairman and vice-chairman, who are Tynwald members, and three members, who are outside Tynwald.