SIPTU to demand increases in new deal
SIPTU vice-president Jack O'Connor has warned employers that his union will be demanding pay increases to protect workers' living standards in talks on a new national pay deal.
Addressing SIPTU's biennial delegate conference in Dublin, Mr O'Connor also said that SIPTU will be demanding better redundancy terms, continuing tax reform and improved public services, particularly in relation to health.
He also said that public sector pay should be increased to the level of private sector pay.
SIPTU recently agreed to enter talks on a new national pay deal to succeed the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
The employers' body IBEC has already warned that some of its members will be seeking a pay freeze as part of any future talks and that workers cannot expect large wage rises like those implemented under the PPF.
