SIPTU backs national pay deal

THE national pay deal looks set to be accepted after the biggest union in the country yesterday threw its weight behind the partnership agreement.

SIPTU, which has 200,000 members, voted in favour of the deal by 73% to 27% in what represents a major boost for the agreement ahead of a crucial meting of union leaders today.

Union and government sources are now confident the Sustaining Progress deal, which offers a 7% pay rise over 18 months, will be accepted at the special conference of the umbrella union group ICTU despite opposition from a number of large unions.