Did union score an own-goal in Croker?

WILL Irish industrial relations history record a vital own-goal by SIPTU in Croke Park?

While six executive committees representing public sector workers emphatically rejected the “deal” and urged their members to vote against it, the largest union in the country decided to endorse it, even though it means its members will have to work longer hours in less safe conditions for less pay.

Does SIPTU even care about the ban on recruitment and its effects on unemployment levels?

Perhaps we should not be surprised. This is the union led by Jack O’Connor who said last November: “The boom has disproportionately increased pay and pay costs here as against competitor countries.

Now which side is Mr O’Connor on? Perhaps it’s time he and Peter McCloone of IMPACT got off the pitch.

Carmel McKenna

Ballinagilkey

Hacketstown

Co Carlow