Taoiseach 'Hopes' For Jobs Negotiation Success

Taoiseach Brian Cowen has expressed hope for success as talks between the Government and public sector trade unions prepare to resume today.

Negotiations with public sector trade unions are to take place at the Labour Relations Commission this afternoon where Government officials and unions are to meet separately to discuss the schedule of upcoming "intensive talks".

Ahead of the meetings, Brian Cowen said was hopeful the talks will be successful and that he hoped a consensus or agreement can be worked out that takes into account the current economic reality.

The talks were sparked into action after plans for a number of proposed strikes at the State's national hospitals emerged.

Meanwhile today, one of Ireland's largest unions has announced Mount Carmel Hospital will see a second day of protests outside its premises tomorrow. The protest, from 12.30 pm to 2.00 pm, is to highlight opposition to recently enforced pay cuts within the hospital.

“We have organised a second day of protest against management’s decision to unilaterally enforce pay cuts on our members”, Kevin Figgis, Branch Organiser, SIPTU Health Division said.

“Pay cuts were enforced without any consultation with the staff or their representatives as of January 1st, resulting in pay cuts of four to six per cent.

“Unions at the hospital have sought to engage with the employer and are prepared to enter a process of engagement to independently verify any financial challenges the hospital believes it may have.

“Our members deserve the right to respond to any identified financial challenge that may exist without the hospital automatically resorting to pay cuts. To date, we have been presented with no verifiable evidence and it is unacceptable that members should receive notice of a reduction to salary without any prior consultation or attempts to agree an alternative.”

Strike notice has also been served on the hospital for Monday, March 22nd., on behalf of SIPTU, IMPACT and the MLSA. It will involve radiographers, laboratory scientists, pharmacy, nursing, clerical/admin and grounds staff, as well as support grades.

“There has been no progress in discussions with management to date”, Mr. Figgis said. “The unions have proposed that the parties should use the same terms of engagement as agreed recently with other private hospital employers to resolve pay disputes, but this has been rejected by management out of hand.

(DW/BMcC)