CHRISTINE ATKINSON,
Sir, - Charles O'Toole (March 14th) urges the ASTI to "become involved in the benchmarking negotiations immediately". He presumes that members will then be given the opportunity to accept or reject the proposals arising from the discussions.
Like many, he is not familiar with the nature of benchmarking. Firstly, it does not involve negotiations or discussions. It is a process whereby the benchmarking body will decide without negotiation the pay for a particular job.
Secondly, workers will not be able to reject any proposals which the body make. It is quite clearly stated in the benchmarking document that any of its recommendations are not open to negotiation. The only thing that is negotiable is the time-scale for paying or phasing in the payment of any increase. It should also be noted that the benchmarking body can recommend a decrease in salary, if it feels that workers are overpaid by comparison with workers in a comparable job.
Mr O'Toole is obviously unaware of these matters, which serves to highlight the fact that most workers have not been issued with a document on the benchmarking process. It is quite extraordinary that union leaders have not seen fit to inform their members. - Yours, etc.,
CHRISTINE ATKINSON,
Delgany,
Co Wicklow.