Union 'quietly optimistic' about pay talks

A representative of the Mandate union has today said that he is 'quietly optimistic' that the outcome of the national pay talks will protect low paid workers from the effects of inflation and hardship this winter.

Speaking outside Government Buildings today, John Douglas, general secretary of Mandate said: “We are quietly optimistic about the outcome of today’s talks. We welcome the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), along with almost all the other large trade unions, giving a clear commitment that low paid workers will be protected and will not pay the price for the stalling economy.

“As far as Mandate is concerned we will only take part in a national wage agreement if our members, most of whom are low paid workers, are not left worrying about how they will afford essential items.

“We expect in these difficult times that all parties, including Government and employers, will recognise the need for social solidarity and facilitate the ordinary families of this country in balancing their everyday household budgets.

“Any deal that fails to recognize the plight of low paid workers will ultimately prove a betrayal of the mandate given by trade unions when entering the talks.

“Mandate is of the same mind as SIPTU who have openly stated that they are determined to get assurances for the low paid. If the low paid aren’t protected, Mandate will carefully consider their position and make a very serious decision on whether to engage in the national wage negotiations or continue to lodge individual claims with employers in the retail sector.

“This is clearly the most difficult national wage negotiation since the beginning of the social partnership process but it is also the most significant. It is now more than ever that the social partners are faced with a choice of what kind of society we want for ourselves and our children.”