Union warns against repeal of law cutting pay

One of the country’s largest public sector unions has warned that the complete repeal of the legislation which cut the pay and pensions of State employees during the recession would see high earners gain substantially more than their lower-paid colleagues.

In a blog post to the union membership, Impact’s head of communication Bernard Harbor said a complete reversal of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act (Fempi) would give a worker on €30,000 a total gain of less than €450 a year, while someone earning €125,000 would stand to gain almost €20,000.

“Few union members would thank their negotiators for delivering such a regressive outcome,” he wrote. “Instead, Impact believes we should negotiate deals that deliver continuing improved living standards for those on low and middle incomes, with a fair and balanced unwinding of Fempi for all over time. Because, as the recovery strengthens we need to return to normal industrial relations where pay is set by agreement, not legislation.”