Siptu boss urges politicians to forego pay hikes

Politicians must “refrain” from taking any pay hikes that come as a result of crunch public sector pay talks which begin tomorrow, Siptu’s president has warned.

Jack O’Connor made the demand as he confirmed he will not accept any increase in his €115,000 salary, saying any rises must “prioritise” those on low pay.

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin is due to meet with a raft of public sector unions tomorrow to begin talks on a new pay deal for workers who have been repeatedly hit by savage cuts throughout the recession.