Ahern agrees with SIPTU on employment standards

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said that he agrees with General President of SIPTU, Jack O'Connor's sentiments that Government and the social partners must work together to maintain Ireland's economic progress.

Ireland's largest trade union has been absent from national pay talks since it decided to boycott them last month.

Ahern reiterated the commitment he gave some weeks ago to engage with the trade unions on measures to address their concerns regarding the protection of standards of employment.

The Taoiseach also said that he believes that the best interests of workers and the community as a whole would be served by the full engagement of SIPTU in the discussions on pay which were about to begin when the terms of 'Sustaining Progress' were approved.

O'Connor had criticised the Government's and employers' attitudes to competition as the solution to all problems.

He also rejected criticism that SIPTU were trying to appease public transport workers in CIÉ and Aer Rianta by saying that the broader issue concerned employees' rights.

Ahern made his response today at the opening of the offices of the Swords Fingal Chamber of Commerce in Dublin today.