Sir, - As a trade unionist, I am shocked and disgusted with our trade union leaders in ICTU. I now know why ASTI left. "They got out before they were sold out". The industrial peace clause in the PPF is now red circled so much that it clearly undermines the right of trade union members to take industrial action.
In his recent press statement, the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern TD, has the clear understanding that no industrial action of any kind can be pursued by the trade union movement in relation to clause 1 of the PPF. Furthermore a national implementation body representing government, IBEC/CIF and ICTU will also be set up to ensure delivery of the stability and peace provisions of the PPF. The disgraceful decision by ICTU to recommend acceptance of the revised national deal will send shivers down the spines of many trade unionists around the country. Were was the consultation? The debate? The right to vote? Sooner or later this decision will come back to haunt ICTU. They are fools if they think they can fool some of the members some of the time and they certainly won't fool all of the members all of the time. - Yours, etc.,
Michael Killeavy, Tullamore, Co Offaly