National wage deal back on table

THE Government is preparing to renegotiate last year’s controversial national wage deal.

That deal, hammered out by employers and unions last September, recommended pay increases of a total of 6% over 21 months.

The Government and employers have said it is no longer active, even though a number of employers have paid the 2.5% first phase. However unions, most notably SIPTU, have balloted for strike action against employers who have not paid it and are intent on action if an alternative is not agreed.