IBEC accused of obstructing national pay talks

IBEC has been accused of obstructing the next round of national pay talks.

The UNITE trade union says that the group's demands for Ireland to switch how inflation is calculated from the Consumer Price Index to the EU harmonised index will mean very low wage increases for workers.

UNITE is warning the Government that if it gives into IBEC it will cause major problems for the talks.

The discussions have already been marred by threats from SIPTU to withdraw altogether if the issue of worker protection is not addressed.