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2009

SIPTU General President says Budget does not provide basis for social solidarity

Date Released: 07 Apr 2009

“This Budget has all the hallmarks of a centre right response to the crisis”, SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor said today. “It represents the socialisation of the toxic debt accumulated by the banks through reckless lending, and contrasts sharply with the imposition of the two per cent levy and the doubling of the health levies on middle and lower income families.

“The burden of these measures could have been alleviated by abolishing the PRSI ceiling altogether and increasing the income levy on all incomes above €100,000 to six per cent - graduating rates upwards after that. Parallel with this the financial consultants have got their way with what is in effect a two per cent cut in social welfare rates through the abolition of the double week at Christmas.

“Consequently, workers who are now losing their jobs see no tangible measures in this Budget for job maintenance, while having to face reduced social welfare payments as well; this, after contributing to the social insurance scheme for years.

“This Budget is not a basis for social solidarity.”





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