ATGWU becomes latest union to reject partnership deal
The ATGWU has become the latest trade union to reject the proposed new social partnership deal.
Several unions, including MANDATE, the IBOA, the TUI and ASTI, have already come out in opposition to the deal, which includes a 10% pay rise phased over 27 months.
The ATGWU has now added its voice to the criticism, saying the wage increases will not cover inflation, while the social provisions are merely a rehash of existing Government policy.
Spokesman Mick O'Reilly said the moves to protect job standards and prevent worker exploitation were welcome, but accused the Government of blackmailing workers into accepting a sub-standard deal in order for these provisions to take effect.
The ATGWU's criticism comes as a group of disaffected trade unionists, including some SIPTU shop stewards, prepare to launch a campaign to oppose the Towards 2016 deal.
However, with the country's two biggest unions, SIPTU and IMPACT, among those backing the deal, it is still likely to be ratified by congress in September.
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