National strike deferred for talks
Talks on an economic recovery plan could get back under way by the weekend after union chiefs today called off their potentially crippling strike.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said it was deferring Monday’s day of action pending the outcoming of the social partnership negotiations and the mini-budget due on April 7.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen yesterday issued an invitation to union bosses in a bid to avert the massive protest – two months after discussions fell apart over the controversial pension levy.
A spokeswoman for Mr Cowen confirmed the Government, unions and business chiefs could be back talking in a matter of days, though a specific date has yet to be set.
Politicians and business leaders welcomed Ictu’s decision, but a small minority of disgruntled union members demanded the resignation of Congress chief David Begg.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny expressed relief at the move, claiming it could have caused chaos.
“ICTUs decision today has spared the undoubted industrial and commuter chaos that Mondays planned national strike would have caused,” he said.
“In these trying economic times, we need to work harder than ever to prompt the recovery the country so desperately needs.
“Strikes are not a solution and would further damage our reputation abroad. ICTU are to be commended in this regard.”
Business body IBEC said it was vital that steps now be taken to address the economic crisis.
Turlough O’Sullivan, director general, said: “IBEC looks forward to meeting with government and unions and putting in place arrangements that reflect the economic realities we now face.
“It is important that we all work together to restore Ireland’s international reputation.
“The top priority must be to support enterprise and stop the haemorrhage of jobs.”
But the Dublin City Post Primary branch of the Teachers Union of Ireland passed a motion of no confidence in Ictu’s executive council and called for David Begg to stand down.
Paddy Healy, chair of the National Public Service Alliance, said: “This is an indication of the extreme frustration on the part of public sector workers at the lack of action on the part of Ictu and at Ictu’s tacit acceptance of the pensions levy and cutbacks.”
It is understood the talks will focus on the National Economic and Social Council’s (Nesc) report, published earlier this month, which called for an integrated national response to the economic crisis facing the country.
They will also centre on the Government’s Framework for a Pact for Stabilisation, Social Solidarity and Economic Renewal, which was agreed by the social partners on January 28.
Ictu will also be pushing its 10-point recovery plan, developed by Congress last month, which calls on the Government to re-think the pension levy.
Although plans for the day of action were dealt a blow when Impact, the country’s largest public sector union narrowly failed to approve it, teachers and nurses voted to back the protest.
Dublin Airport also faced massive disruption after Siptu and Mandate workers voiced their support and planned an eight-hour work stoppage.
