Leading union votes to reject draft national wage agreement
13 November 2008
Members of Unite, Ireland’s second largest
trade union have voted by a large majority of three to one to
reject the draft national wage agreement negotiated between
employer, union and government representatives in Dublin in
September.
The 40 delegates which Unite will send to next
week’s ICTU Special Conference are now mandated to express that
view and to vote accordingly against the agreement.
“We were clear from the outset what our
minimum requirements were from any deal,” said Unite Regional
Secretary Jimmy Kelly. “The draft agreement on which our
members have now voted came up short in too many key areas.
The leadership of this union put forward a view that a national
agreement is no longer the best basis on which to advance the
rights and fair remuneration of workers. Our members share
that view.”
“There have been conflicting views on all
sides as to whether this was the best deal in the current rapidly
changing economic circumstances. We stood up to be counted
with a view that the pay element was not enough in real terms for
working people. The special treatment we deemed essential for
the lowest paid was not delivered, with the token gesture offered
representing a maximum five cents per hour. We believe it is
better to fight on at local level to achieve fair pay.”
“In addition, and perhaps of even greater
importance, we wanted to challenge employers and government to make
social partnership a real partnership. We had sought improved
pension coverage to bring us into line with our European
neighbours. The employers rejected this and the government
refused to get involved. It was a similar case with our
demand for the right of workers to trade union
representation. Such a right exists in Northern Ireland,
across Europe and the United States, but still not here.”
“Our position has been clearly stated and
overwhelmingly supported by the members of this union. We
will take that mandate to Liberty Hall next week. We will
seek that the union movement as a whole reject the agreement, and
we will continue to seek the best outcome for our members and for
all working men and women.”
END
For further information or to arrange an
interview with Jimmy Kelly, please contact: Rob Hartnett, Director
– Hartnett McClure PR, 086 3851955
