ICTU to consider request for pay agreement deferral

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is to meet on Monday to consider the move by business group IBEC to seek a deferral of the national pay agreement.

Talks between the Government and the social partners on plans to cut €2bn from exchequer spending started yesterday.

Trade unions are warning that attempts by employers to seek a deferral of the implementation of the pay agreement will hamper the prospect of securing an economic recovery deal with the Government.

However, IBEC said that the serious deterioration in economic conditions has made it impossible for its members to pay the increases.

Director General Turlough O'Sullivan said there are serious issues that need to be urgently addressed.