MINISTER FOR Enterprise and Jobs Richard Bruton has said he is confident there will be “quick reform” introduced to the system for setting pay rates for more than 200,000 workers in various sectors. However, speaking yesterday at the end of his consultation process on proposed changes, he acknowledged that reform would not satisfy everyone.
Mr Bruton is expected to bring final proposals for changing the existing system for setting wages under joint labour committees and registered employment agreements to Cabinet on June 21st.
Trade unions and Labour backbenchers have expressed strong concern about the Minister’s proposals. Employers have argued they do not go far enough.
Separately yesterday, the president of Siptu and Ictu Jack O’Connor said he was concerned about comments attributed to sources close to the EU-IMF bailout that they were worried about possible backsliding by the Government on key reforms.
The Irish Timesreported yesterday that Ireland's lenders believed it very important for the Government to back the reform plans put forward by Mr Bruton.
Mr O’Connor described the remarks as “more than coincidental just as the Cabinet is about to discuss the issue. The intervention is clearly designed to leverage pressure in favour of the wage-cutting agenda.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Justice Alan Shatter said in Luxembourg he had no doubt the Government would comply with all its bailout obligations.