ISME calls for end to Social Partnership

The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) has today called for the immediate implementation of a National Representative Forum (NRF) to replace the system of Social Partnership.

The Association has warned the Government of the need for a more representative, democratic and open body to assist and advise the Government on fiscal, economic and social issues.

According to ISME chief executive Mark Fielding: "The beneficial effects of earlier partnership agreements were competitiveness, cost predictability and industrial peace.

"There is no doubt that from an enterprise perspective, these benefits have ceased and have been replaced by an unsustainable cost base championed by the trade unions.

"The partnership process is now being propped up by an ineffectual employers’ body, an intransigent public sector dominated trade union and an emasculated, dithering Government unable to cut the Gordian knot that is partnership."

ISME has proposed to expand the process into a National Representative Forum (NRF), to include small business representatives together with representatives of the ESRI, Central Bank and front-bench spokespersons, among others.