Burton calls on union leaders to volunteer for pay cuts

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has today called on union leaders who have not taken a pay cut to reflect on that position.

It has emerged that some union leaders, such as Peter McMenamin of the Teachers Union of Ireland, have not taken a pay cut during the recession.

Other union leaders have taken cuts, but may still be earning salaries in excess of €150,000.

Minister Burton said that pay is a matter for the unions involved, the members and the leadership, but that leaders could reflect on their current situation.

"If it’s true that some people perhaps haven’t made any contribution, well then, perhaps they should reflect on that, if their salaries are very high," said Minister Burton.