Time running out to agree public pay deal, says Howlin
Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin said last night that he was not a “believer in austerity” but the Government was entering a “critical time” of discussions with the troika on its bailout exit.
Cabinet earlier in the day gave the go-ahead for the reopening of talks with unions, with the Taoiseach insisting that the figures had not changed.
Up to 21 worker-representatives groups, including those who left the pay talks, will be consulted by Labour Relations Commission chief executive Kieran Mulvey, to establish if there was a basis for a negotiated agreement.
During a Dáil debate on public sector pay last night, Mr Howlin said the Government was willing to talk to worker representatives about options on saving €1bn by 2015 in pay and pensions following the collapse of the deal.
The Government would make a decision in a fortnight’s time once Mr Mulvey reported back, he said.
“The Government is certainly willing to talk to staff representatives who are prepared to reach a realistic compromise with the Government on how to make these savings. The reality of the budgetary timetable is such that time for any discussions is running out.”
Mr Howlin said he accepted the decision of workers who voted no and did not believe that the decision constituted a rejection of collective agreements by unions.
Echoing comments by European Commission president José Manuel Barroso this week, he also said: “I for one am not a ‘believer’ in austerity. I believe a more coherent, anti-austerity strategy across Europe would be good for Ireland and for Europe… The key threat to Ireland successfully exiting its programme of assistance is the economic environment in Europe.”
A Fianna Fáil motion this week is calling on the Government not to legislate for a universal 7% pay cut in public sector pay.
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