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2009

Frontline Alliance says misrepresentation of unpaid leave proposals by some media is preventing honest debate of rescue package for economy

Date Released: 03 Dec 2009

The attempt by some elements in the media to misrepresent the emerging accord between the Government and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions over unpaid leave to help restore the public finances is mischievous, misleading and, most importantly, has the capacity to derail a major initiative that is in the public interest, the 24/7 Frontline Services Alliance said today.

Speaking on behalf of the Alliance, David Hughes of the Irish Nurses Organisation said, “The measure under discussion is the equivalent of mass lay-offs in the private sector. The only differences are that public sector workers will not receive any social welfare payments as a result and they will continue to work in key sectors on the basis that they will be remunerated for that essential work at a future date.

“Of course IBEC and a chorus of economic commentators are only too happy to support a plan to sabotage this proposal and push for wholesale pay cuts, which can then be applied across the private sector as well. The same sources repeatedly tell us that everybody in the private sector has already had cuts.  But is this true?

“Three surveys, two by employer bodies and one by the CSO Earnings and Labour Costs Quarterly Report suggest not. In fact, the surveys conclude that about one quarter of employers, at most, had cut pay rates.  The CSO Report recorded that ‘Average hourly earnings in the industrial sector rose by 4.2 per cent in Quarter 2 2009.’

“So how are public servants being treated more favourably?

“The Department of Finance has confirmed that over 5,000 public service jobs have been lost in the last twelve months.  These reductions were achieved through accelerated retirement, non replacement of staff and non renewal of fixed term contracts.  All public servants had pay cuts last April through the levies.

“The current proposal will see lay offs or short term working for twelve days - the equivalent of one day per month. Some will not even get those days off next year, although they will be stopped pay for them.

“Such inconvenient truths may not suit IBEC and those who wish to cut the pay of all workers but they must be acknowledged if we are to have a serious and constructive debate about the issues.”





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