The leaders of the country’s largest trade union have warned members that they are not optimistic about the outcome of social 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 Siptu general president Jack O’Connor, vice president Brendan Hayes and general secretary Joe O’Flynn said that 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”, they said.
They said that it was also important to consult with other unions “so as to achieve the widest possible degree of inter-union co-ordination”.
“Hopefully we will be able to achieve agreed outcomes, maximising security of employment and respecting the quality of employment in direct employer-by-employer negotiations. However, it is critically important to have effective action plans prepared”, the Siptu leaders stated.
The cabinet yesterday considered its final position on a proposed national recovery agreement and this is expected to be circulated to trade unions, employers and other social partners before the end of the week.
In the circular to members the Siptu leaders said that the Government proposals would be considered at a meeting of the national executive of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on Wednesday next, May 20.
“We expect a decision to be made then, one way or the other”, the Siptu leaders stated.
They said that they still believed that a social solidarity pact offered the best prospect of addressing the great challenges facing everyone in Ireland.
“However, it must deal with the concerns of working people. Safeguarding existing jobs, assisting workers who have lost their pension entitlements and protecting against home re-possessions are central to our agenda. If they are dealt with it would enable us to try to negotiate solutions to other, including the inequitable pension levy etc”, they said.
The Siptu leaders said that while they remained hopeful, they were not optimistic about the outcome of the current process.