Menu
02/07/2008
National Pay Deal Talks To Resume
Much wailing and gnashing of teeth is expected as talks on a new national pay deal resumes between the Government, unions and employers today.
Unions have already rejected calls by employers to freeze pay in the public sector, given the downturn in the Government's finances and the unions will be calling on the Government to spell out the scale of the economic problems and its proposals for dealing with them.
Figures released on Wednesday by the union, Unite, says Irish companies make an average of €45,800 in profit per employee per year. The union say this figure is twice that of the UK and there were no grounds for believing this was too low or that Irish employers were being squeezed by high wages. It said various methodologies all told the same story - that Ireland was a high-profit economy.
However, the Government is due to publish exchequer returns for the first half of the year, which are expected to show a dramatic shortfall of at least €1.5 billion in tax revenues.
The Government side in the talks is expected to use the newly-released exchequer data to highlight the need for pay restraint. Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan said last weekend a drop in revenue would require "savings" rather than cutbacks.
In contrast, industry representatives such as the Construction Industry Federation and Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) have called for wage restraint "in the short-to-medium term" due to the fall in domestic consumer demand caused by the economic downturn.
With all sides demanding different approaches, agreement is not expected to be reached easily.
(DW/JM)
Unions have already rejected calls by employers to freeze pay in the public sector, given the downturn in the Government's finances and the unions will be calling on the Government to spell out the scale of the economic problems and its proposals for dealing with them.
Figures released on Wednesday by the union, Unite, says Irish companies make an average of €45,800 in profit per employee per year. The union say this figure is twice that of the UK and there were no grounds for believing this was too low or that Irish employers were being squeezed by high wages. It said various methodologies all told the same story - that Ireland was a high-profit economy.
However, the Government is due to publish exchequer returns for the first half of the year, which are expected to show a dramatic shortfall of at least €1.5 billion in tax revenues.
The Government side in the talks is expected to use the newly-released exchequer data to highlight the need for pay restraint. Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan said last weekend a drop in revenue would require "savings" rather than cutbacks.
In contrast, industry representatives such as the Construction Industry Federation and Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) have called for wage restraint "in the short-to-medium term" due to the fall in domestic consumer demand caused by the economic downturn.
With all sides demanding different approaches, agreement is not expected to be reached easily.
(DW/JM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 October 2013
SIPTU Members To Discuss Next Dublin Bus Move
SIPTU bus drivers at Dublin are meeting to discuss their next move following their rejection of a cost-cutting plan. A majority of members from the two unions representing the drivers at the company voted to accept the cost-cutting measures proposed by the company, which is seeking to save some €11m.
SIPTU Members To Discuss Next Dublin Bus Move
SIPTU bus drivers at Dublin are meeting to discuss their next move following their rejection of a cost-cutting plan. A majority of members from the two unions representing the drivers at the company voted to accept the cost-cutting measures proposed by the company, which is seeking to save some €11m.
23 January 2009
Social Partners To Meet Government On Talks
Intensive talks are to get underway between the Government and their 'social partners' as plans to further cut public spending go under the magnifying glass. The Cabinet have established a target of a €2 billion spending reduction for this year following two days of intensive analysis of Ireland's budget.
Social Partners To Meet Government On Talks
Intensive talks are to get underway between the Government and their 'social partners' as plans to further cut public spending go under the magnifying glass. The Cabinet have established a target of a €2 billion spending reduction for this year following two days of intensive analysis of Ireland's budget.
09 September 2008
Hopes Low As Pay Deal Talks Resume
Talks over the national pay deal resume at Government buildings in Dublin on Tuesday following their breakdown last month. However, it is believed unions and employers are at polar opposites over reaching a national pay agreement.
Hopes Low As Pay Deal Talks Resume
Talks over the national pay deal resume at Government buildings in Dublin on Tuesday following their breakdown last month. However, it is believed unions and employers are at polar opposites over reaching a national pay agreement.
02 December 2009
Cowen Claims No Agreement Reached On Public Sector Pay
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has told the Dáil no "basis for agreement" has been reached over the ongoing talks with public sector unions. Speaking this morning, Mr Cowen said proposals put forward by public sector unions on reducing the pay and pensions bill by €1.3bn next year did not constitute a agreeable package in their present form.
Cowen Claims No Agreement Reached On Public Sector Pay
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has told the Dáil no "basis for agreement" has been reached over the ongoing talks with public sector unions. Speaking this morning, Mr Cowen said proposals put forward by public sector unions on reducing the pay and pensions bill by €1.3bn next year did not constitute a agreeable package in their present form.
21 November 2012
Unions Agree To Government Talks Over Cuts
An agreement to discuss government proposals for a new deal on cost savings has been reached by the public service trade unions. The meeting with government officials is to take place next Wednesday.
Unions Agree To Government Talks Over Cuts
An agreement to discuss government proposals for a new deal on cost savings has been reached by the public service trade unions. The meeting with government officials is to take place next Wednesday.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
