Taoiseach vows to address SIPTU’s partnership concerns
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has promised that the Government will address the concerns that have prompted SIPTU to withhold its support for social partnership.
The trade union has deferred a vote on whether to enter talks on a new partnership deal until it receives assurances that employment rights will be protected.
The decision follows Irish Ferries' move to replace its seafaring workers with cheaper labour from abroad.
It is allowed to do so as Irish labour laws do not apply to the company while it is operating on the seas.
Speaking in Dublin this morning, Mr Ahern promised that the Government would do what it takes to ensure SIPTU's support for social partnership.
"There's huge benefits for everybody in partnership and SIPTU have been great supporters of it," he said.
"The concerns that they have - we will play our part in helping to try and alleviate those concerns for the workers so that they can enter the talks."
