Madam - Bernard Harbor of IMPACT (August 23rd) presented benchmarking as a good news story for all public servants. But many public servants on temporary contracts (with local authorities, for example) are being excluded from the benchmarking process. Many temporary workers are on the lowest level of the pay structure and are increasingly fearful they may not secure permanent positions due to the current Government cutbacks.
I call on the leaders of IMPACT and other public sector unions to state clearly the position of temporary workers with regard to benchmarking. Temporary workers are playing a leading role in implementing change in the public services. They are also entitled to the wage rises agreed under benchmarking. - Yours, etc.,
DONAL GUERIN, Muskerry Estate, Ballincollig, Co Cork.