TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY has indicated it is unlikely this year that there will be a reversal of the cuts to public sector pay.
Speaking to political correspondents in a pre-Christmas briefing, Kenny said economic recovery is the government’s priority and would be taken into account in any talks about public sector pay or increases to the minimum wage.
A survey by Ibec on Friday found over half of companies in Ireland plan to give their staff pay rises this year. Small businesses were quick to pipe up about this, saying they won’t be part of the 50% giving their employees wage increases in 2015.
Now it seems those on the minimum wage and public sector workers can forget about it as well, though Kenny said the government will act on recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission.
“The Haddington Road agreement runs until 2016 and it’s important that we don’t spend away all of the hard-won gains by people here,” Kenny said.
It’s important to be able to say that you’re not going to let the economy run backwards.
Tánaiste Joan Burton echoed the Taoiseach’s sentiments, telling reporters there would be an opportunity for dialogue between the government, employers and trade unions but stability has to be maintained in the economy.
Speaking to Newstalk today, General President of SIPTU, Jack O’Connor said he believes talks should begin much sooner than 2016. He said the agreement should be revisited as economic recovery has been faster than expected.
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