Unions seek 5% rise despite inflation drop

PRIVATE sector unions are to press ahead with pay claims in excess of 5% in spite of the moderate fall in the rate of inflation to 4.3% announced yesterday.

Speaking on the fourth day of the resumed talks on a new national wage at Government Buildings, the chairman of the private sector trade union committee, Jerry Shanahan, said the drop from 4.4% in July to 4.3% last month was not cause for them to change their position: “One swallow does not make a summer. This is only a snapshot of the current point in time. The figure that we are projecting for the end of the year would be 5% and we will remain there for the time being at least,” he said.

SIPTU president Jack O’Connor said there would have to be an assessment of what the figures mean. “Figures fluctuate from month to month. We have to try to discern what trend is there if any. If the trend is positive from the point of view of controlling inflation it would be helpful for making an agreement (in the pay talks).”