Delegates to the conference have voted to renegotiate Partnership 2000 if inflation hits hard. Proposing a motion, Mr Kevin Molloy from Gorey said older members would recall the inflationary impact of decrimalisation on prices. "Our members now want to know what effect EMU will have on our pay packets," he said.
Some commentators were talking of inflation rates doubling next year. Partnership 2000 was based on an inflation rate of 2 per cent. Above this the union should call for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to have the pay elements of Partnership 2000 reviewed.
A Dublin delegate, Mr Rory Delaney, said it was ironic that the economic boom made possible by wage restraint had seen house prices move beyond the reach of workers on the average industrial wage. Low-paid workers had no hope of owning their own house.
With little social housing available and private housing out of reach, a significant need had emerged.
The president of the CWU, Mr Sean McDonagh, said tax equity and social solidarity measures to combat poverty were central issues that had to be addressed by the Government under Partnership 2000.
"In addition, we want union recognition, not as a privilege but as a right." Criticising the attitude of companies like Ryanair, he said the CWU had recruited new members in the private telecommunications companies. Genuine partnership was about protecting workers, developing business and creating employment. Companies like Ryanair "only engender a climate of suspicion and mistrust".