SIPTU raises concerns over working practices at FAI

SIPTU members employed by the Football Association of Ireland have written to senior management to express their concerns regarding strategy and work practices at the association.

The union says its members are seeking an urgent meeting with management.

"At this meeting they wish to discuss the lack of engagement with them regarding the launch of a new strategy for the organisation and ongoing concerns about poor work practices," according to SIPTU Sector Organiser, Michelle Quinn.

The union says that while its members in the FAI welcome the publication of a strategy for the organisation, they are concerned that much of it is aspirational and lacking in detail.

They also have concerns that it does not have a clear enough focus on player development.

The union says that it is 14 months since the FAI CEO met with FAI SIPTU shop stewards, despite numerous requests for a meeting.

In a statement, the Football Association of Ireland said it noted today's comments from SIPTU.

"The FAI met with SIPTU representatives in November 2021 and January 2022 and remains committed to regular meetings as is good and standard practice," the statement read.

The FAI said its CEO will meet with SIPTU within the first quarter of the year as previously agreed with the union.

"All FAI staff, including therefore SIPTU members, were invited to consultation meetings and to make written submissions ahead of the drafting of the FAI Strategy 2022-2025," the FAI said, adding that it was a "living document" and staff are welcome to make ongoing submissions.

The association said that player pathways and player development are "key pillars" of its strategy.

"The FAI is again disappointed that SIPTU chooses to use the media to air these issues," the statement read.

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