Unions set to withdraw from recovery plan

TRADE unions last night looked set to withdraw from the Government’s economic recovery plan over Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s decision to pump just €250 million into job protection and €300m into private sector pension protection.

Last night’s briefing to employers and unions was intended as a progress report on what the Government’s position was on issues such as job protection, private sector pension protection and support for those who fell into mortgage arrears.

In recent weeks Taoiseach Brian Cowen had indicated to unions he was prepared to spend €1 billion if not more on keeping as many people in employment as possible. He had also said he saw merit in union demands for pension protection for those who work for up to 40 years for a company and then see their pension schemes collapse.