Sir, - It has been acknowledged repeatedly during the ASTI dispute that it is an absolute right of legal, licensed and law-abiding trade unions to pursue their legitimate objectives outside the PPF. But shouldn't these poor fools be warned of the terrible fate awaiting those who have the temerity to exercise that right?
They will be subjected to a blanket refusal for months on end to consider their claim, to illegal docking of their pay and a deafening silence from the ICTU. They will be treated to pompous Irish Times Editorials which urge them to develop exit strategies when all they are trying to do is get into negotiations in the first place and which reprimand them for not revealing their bottom line before negotiations have even begun.
Perhaps it's time to end this nonsensical "right" to remain outside the PPF cartel. Surely a sensible development would be the adoption of a fully-fledged corporate State such as worked so well in Mussolini's Italy. Wages and conditions could be decided by our betters in corporations representing employers, workers and the Government. There would be an end to tiresome picket-lines, rallies, arbitration and conciliation. After all, as our Taoiseach has pointed out, they're all part of an anti-government crusade. Viva il Duce! - Yours, etc.
Terry Dolan, (ASTI Member) Station Road, Dunboyne, Co Meath.