SIPTU in no mood for Partnership pay freeze

HOPES for a new pay deal were dealt a major blow last night when unions accused the Government of blatantly siding with employers.

Employers are calling for a pay freeze for all workers for up to a year, but SIPTU, the country’s largest union, yesterday said members are not willing to make up for the Government's economic difficulties by taking a hit on wages.

Jack O’Connor, vice-president of SIPTU, said the Government and employers were on course to “sabotage” any hope of a new partnership agreement.