Unions doubtful on pay deal

UNIONS warned yesterday they were not optimistic a new national pay deal could be struck.

Reacting to suggestions that private sector workers may have to accept a pay freeze of up to 12 months, Irish Congress of Trade Unions president Joe O’Toole said such a measure would be intolerable.

“We’re absolutely committed to reaching a deal. I know it can be achieved but I’m not optimistic that it will be at this stage,” Mr O’Toole said.