PUBLIC SECTOR trade unions may seek to reach a bilateral agreement with the Government covering the State sector if an overall deal on national recovery involving all the social partners cannot be finalised.
The chairman of the public services committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu), Peter McLoone, said last night that if no overall accord could be reached it would be willing to explore the possibility of a deal with the Government as the employer of their members.
He said any such agreement would centre on the transformation programme in the public service.
Mr McLoone said this could involve the Government trading guarantees on pay and pensions – including the tax-free status of retirement lump sums – as well as a framework on jobs in return for an engagement on reform including “doing more with less”.
The public services committee of congress considered the current talks process at a meeting yesterday.
Meanwhile, the leaders of the country’s largest trade union have warned members that they are not optimistic about the outcome of partnership talks on a national recovery agreement, and that they should “prepare for effective action” against cuts in pay and conditions.
In a circular to members yesterday, Siptu general president Jack O’Connor, vice-president Brendan Hayes and general secretary Joe O’Flynn said such action could be aimed at trying “to leverage agreement either locally or nationally”.
They urged union branches to consult with section committees, workplace representatives and shop stewards to draw up plans for effective campaigns.
“Campaigns should be innovatively-designed to minimise disruption to members and the general public and to maximise pressure on employers and the Government.
“Otherwise they will serve only to play into the hands of those who are intent on dividing worker against worker to facilitate out-sourcing etc.”
The Siptu leaders said while they remained hopeful about a deal, they were not optimistic about the outcome of the current process.
The Cabinet yesterday considered its final position on the proposed recovery agreement, and this is expected to be circulated to unions, employers and other social partners before the end of the week.