Unions throw down gauntlet on new PPF

TRADE union leaders last night threw down the gauntlet to the Government and employers, challenging them to prove whether they are interested in a new national wage agreement.

The challenge came as talks on a new deal enter a crucial phase with sources on all sides conceding they will know by this weekend whether an agreement to replace the Programme for Prosperity & Fairness is possible.

Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy yesterday said he will not pay the first instalment of the benchmarking public service pay rises, including 12 months back-money, until all the unions involved agree to the report on overhauling the public sector.