Suggestions that the Budget cleared the way for a new agreement to follow Partnership 2000 are premature, "to say the least", the SIPTU general secretary has warned. While successive governments have met commitments on pay and tax deductions, Mr John McDonnell said yesterday union recognition remains "a burning issue" for his members.
He also called for a national minimum wage of £4.80 an hour from April 2000, to take account of pay increases due under Partnership 2000. The minimum wage, greater participation in pay and profit-sharing schemes, and jobs for the long-term unemployed are crucial in determining the attitude of the State's largest union towards any new deal, Mr McDonnell said. He expressed concern at the difficulty the High-Level Group on Union Recognition was having in reaching agreement. It had hoped to conclude its business before Christmas, but is not now expected to do so before March or April.
"SIPTU has made it abundantly clear that any proposals emanating from this group which do not fundamentally address the question of union recognition in a fair and reasonable way will quickly scupper any negotiations on a new central deal with the Government and social partners."
Mr McDonnell added that "any watering down of the agreement to implement £4.40 per hour from April 2000 would do untold damage to a post-Partnership 2000 environment".
One of the largest private sector trade unions, Mandate, has also expressed concern about union recognition.