DONAL P. FLINN,
Madam, - Excessive and unaffordable wage demands must not wreck the economy. There is, however, a need for leadership, equity and example in seeking a prudent approach.
I find it hard, as I am sure do the unions and workers, to stomach a total disregard by IBEC and senior management of the need for such restraint applied to themselves. The rewards of management in many instances are obscene and without merit. The combination of "hello money", excessive remuneration, bonuses, share options, pension contributions and "goodbye money" are a provocation to ordinary workers to seek excessive levels of pay.
The package available to politicians by way of salary, committee fees, travel rewards (unvouched) , pensions, no benefits-in-kind, add to the cynicism of PAYE workers.
Many of the tax-paying public are unaware of the benefits that accrue to their political masters such as free car parking in perpetuity in Dáil Éireann after merely a day as a TD or Senator.
Good example from the top, both by employers and politicians, would encourage workers to accept a sense of realism in wage negotiations. - Yours, etc.,
DONAL P. FLINN,
Orwell Park,
Rathgar,
Dublin 6.