SIPTU pessimistic about prospects for recovery deal

SIPTU says it is losing hope that an economic recovery package can be agreed in talks between the social partners and the Government.

The union says the prospects for agreement are slim unless there is a considerable change of heart from the Government.

The trade union movement is seeking a €1bn fund to protect existing jobs and create new ones, saying the issue is just as important as bailing out the Irish banks.

It also wants measures introduced to safeguard workers whose pensions are at risk.

SIPTU says the trade unions will have to devise their own strategies for defending workers if a deal cannot be reached among the social partners.