WATER CHARGES AND RPA HIGH ON AGENDA

Northern Ireland's biggest trade union is set to hold its Annual Delegate Conference in Londonderry for the first time.

Over 400 delegates representing over 43,000 civil and public servants will meet in the Millennium Forum from Wednesday 30th May to 1st June 2007.

Speaking in advance of the Conference NIPSA's General Secretary John Corey said that the Review of Public Administration (RPA), threats to privatise public services and Water Charges will be key issues on the agenda.

Mr Corey said ......

"The Review of Public Administration affects over 60% of NIPSA's members directly and we will be giving detailed consideration to actions to defend the interests of public servants.

I expect our delegates from the Health and Social Care Sector will make it clear they are not prepared to accept the way RPA is being implemented in the new Health and Social Care Trusts which is destroying morale and threatening staff's jobs and future employment.

We are not prepared to tolerate public service staff being treated in this way and we have already warned the employers and the new NI Executive there is a real risk of industrial action."

Mr Corey said the campaign to stop household water charges will also be debated. Mr Corey said ......

"I am confident our delegates will give full backing to NIPSA's campaign to stop household water charges.

If the NI Executive seeks to reintroduce these water charges next year then we will mount again a vigorous campaign to persuade the public to refuse to pay.

Everyone knows these charges are wrong and unfair on the people of Northern Ireland."

NIPSA's Annual Conference is due to be held in the Millennium Forum in Londonderry this week from 30th May 2007 – 1st June 2007.