Skip to content

Search Site

Type a keyword in the box and click on the arrow


IN THIS SECTION

Press Room

2003

Trust underpinning social partnership breached

Date Released: 04 Dec 2003

"The trust, which underpins social partnership has been breached and is no longer evident from either the Government or the employers' side," declared SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O'Flynn.

Addressing the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Mr. O'Flynn said he believes the forecasts regarding the end of social partnership may well be realised and we could soon be facing into a free-for-all situation.

"If there is respect and understanding on all sides, we might just manage to negotiate a successful agreement that will benefit the interests of all concerned when negotiations begin on a new agreement in March 2004. But we will not be a hostage to Sustaining Progress if others simply cherry pick the agreement. Neither will we be found wanting in continuing to play a positive, responsible role in the development of the Irish economy," said Mr. O'Flynn.

"It will, however, be difficult for trade unions to achieve improvements in quality of life issues that affect our members, if a national consensus no longer prevails. For instance, in Sustaining Progress the unions secured more concrete social initiatives than in any previous agreement. For example, 10,000 houses under the affordable housing initiative; the introduction of legislation to give security to people in private rented accommodation; an increase in the statutory redundancy payment and a range of issues relating to childcare, parental leave, maternity leave, tele-working and access to part-time work etc. New legislative arrangements are underway where unions - through the Labour Court - can negotiate improved pay and conditions for members even where employers refuse to deal with unions directly.

"Nevertheless, in the absence of a national agreement, the trade union movement will meet any challenge which free collective bargaining presents, to protect and enhance the living standards of our members.

"For those workers who are not members of a trade union and who took for granted the national pay agreements and the benefits which come with them over the past 17 years or so, it might be a timely wake up call," concluded Mr. O'Flynn.





Previous and Next: 2004 | Archived News Releases