Press Release

Unite prepared to listen but local claims continue

4 September 2008

Unite, Ireland’s second largest union with 60,000 members has called on government and employers to come to tomorrow’s revival of pay talks with intent to have meaningful discussions on pay, on workers rights to collective bargaining, on pensions and on equality for agency workers.

“If these talks are to last and deliver we will need to see a real desire for engagement from all sides,” said Unite Regional Secretary, Jimmy Kelly.

“We realise the economic background which frames this renewed attempt to strike a national deal but any agreement has to be based on partnership. That means real cost of living increases for workers, special provision for the lower paid and genuine progress on the range of issues which are equally important as pay for the long term benefit of our members and the country as a whole.

“Relative to our European peers, Irish workers are paid less than average and Irish companies make more profits than average.”

“These are real figures, which while not suited to employer arguments, have to be addressed in an open and honest manner. If that happens, we are there to engage.”

Local pay claims are continuing, despite the renewal of talks. Unite has lodged claims for minimum five per cent pay increases across the finance sector with Hibernian, Irish Life and Permanent TSB, Allianz, FBD Insurance and this week with AXA; in the energy sector with ESB; and in the food and drink sector this week through a claim lodged with Cadbury. Meetings of representatives in the Print and Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sectors are scheduled to take place shortly.