IRELAND
Ireland’s largest trade union, the Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) says it will not take part in negotiations for a new Public Service agreement unless the Government moves to end the two-tier pay arrangement.
Brought in while the country was reeling in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis, the two-tier system sees those workers appointed after 2011 being paid less than longer-serving colleagues.
The Government had previously said that while a review of this arrangement could take place, there would be no funding to end the two-tier system before the end of 2020, when the current Public Service pay deal expires.
However, it now seems likely the Government is prepared to accelerate the end of this pay system, although when and how remains to be finalised.
Last month, the annual conferences of the three main teachers’ unions backed motions calling for potential strike action unless the Government committed by this month to abolishing two-tier pay for newer entrants.
In a statement, SIPTU said it wanted an “equitable solution to pay inequality for new entrants to the Public Service”.
Organiser of the Health Division of SIPTU, Paul Bell (pictured) said members expected the presentation of concrete proposals that outlined a clear road map for ending pay injustice.
“We will continue to work with all parties to make sure a fair and equitable balance is struck that leaves no worker in the Public Service behind, while also ensuring that the lowest paid are given priority,” Mr Bell said.
He said SIPTU had made it clear it would not be party to any successor to the current Public Service agreement unless the lower pay rates for more recent entrants were abolished.
Dublin, 29 April 2018
