03/02/2009
Dáil Cuts Go Ahead Despite Talks Collapse
The Irish government is to push ahead with economic cutbacks despite the sensational collapse of talks with trade unions.
The government will make its sweeping cuts anyway, even though the talks ended in disagreement in the early hours of Tuesday.
The unions and employers met with government officials to help secure €2 billion worth of cuts from Ireland's public spending, but workers' unions at the talks rejected attempt to slash the public service payroll bill.
In a statement issued earlier, Taoiseach Brian Cowen (pictured) said that he regretted it was not possible for the trade unions to agree to proposals but he would still "take the necessary decisions in respect of the fiscal adjustments".
The talks effectively broke down over the terms of a graduated pension levy which was sought as part of a package of measures aimed at generating savings.
According to reports this morning, the plans included increases to the pension contributions by public sector workers in the mid salary ranges of €40,000 to €60,000. The proposals meant staff would have to pay between 6.9% and 7.9% more in pension contributions, meaning deductions of between €2,250 for staff on €40,000 and €4,750 for those on €60,000.
However Deputy Prime Minister Mary Coughlan said the collapse of the talks did not represent the end of social partnership.
(DW/JM)
The government will make its sweeping cuts anyway, even though the talks ended in disagreement in the early hours of Tuesday.
The unions and employers met with government officials to help secure €2 billion worth of cuts from Ireland's public spending, but workers' unions at the talks rejected attempt to slash the public service payroll bill.
In a statement issued earlier, Taoiseach Brian Cowen (pictured) said that he regretted it was not possible for the trade unions to agree to proposals but he would still "take the necessary decisions in respect of the fiscal adjustments".
The talks effectively broke down over the terms of a graduated pension levy which was sought as part of a package of measures aimed at generating savings.
According to reports this morning, the plans included increases to the pension contributions by public sector workers in the mid salary ranges of €40,000 to €60,000. The proposals meant staff would have to pay between 6.9% and 7.9% more in pension contributions, meaning deductions of between €2,250 for staff on €40,000 and €4,750 for those on €60,000.
However Deputy Prime Minister Mary Coughlan said the collapse of the talks did not represent the end of social partnership.
(DW/JM)
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25 March 2009
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NI people travelling across the border and to Dublin will find things a lot easier than had been anticipated on Monday as a planned wave of cross-sector strikes has been called off. The Executive Council of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has announced it is deferring the expected combined action.
Irish Strike 'Deferred' - For Now
NI people travelling across the border and to Dublin will find things a lot easier than had been anticipated on Monday as a planned wave of cross-sector strikes has been called off. The Executive Council of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has announced it is deferring the expected combined action.
04 March 2020
First And Deputy First Minister Cancel NY St Patrick's Day Visit
The First and Deputy First Ministers have reportedly cancelled plans to visit New York while in the US on an official St Patrick's Day trip. According to reports, Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill are still expected to make the trip to Washington DC, but will no longer begin their trip by visiting New York.
First And Deputy First Minister Cancel NY St Patrick's Day Visit
The First and Deputy First Ministers have reportedly cancelled plans to visit New York while in the US on an official St Patrick's Day trip. According to reports, Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill are still expected to make the trip to Washington DC, but will no longer begin their trip by visiting New York.
21 March 2006
Public servants to take part in pension strike
Over 50,000 members of the NI Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) have today voted in favour of taking part in strike action next Tuesday, over a dispute about pensions. The final result of the ballot was 71.5% in favour, with 28.5% voting against taking part in the strike action to preserve the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Public servants to take part in pension strike
Over 50,000 members of the NI Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) have today voted in favour of taking part in strike action next Tuesday, over a dispute about pensions. The final result of the ballot was 71.5% in favour, with 28.5% voting against taking part in the strike action to preserve the Local Government Pension Scheme.
19 March 2024
Transport Unions Re-Enter Talks With Translink
Northern Ireland's transport unions have agreed to re-enter discussions with Translink management, after the rejection of a pay offer. GMB, SIPTU and Unite announced last week that a "decisive majority" of their members had voted to reject a 5% pay offer and one-off payment of £1,500.
Transport Unions Re-Enter Talks With Translink
Northern Ireland's transport unions have agreed to re-enter discussions with Translink management, after the rejection of a pay offer. GMB, SIPTU and Unite announced last week that a "decisive majority" of their members had voted to reject a 5% pay offer and one-off payment of £1,500.
02 July 2013
Irish Congress Of Trade Unions Conference Begins
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions conference opens today in Belfast, which will see over 700 delegates debate the economic crisis and the reform of trade union structures. The Biennial Delgate Conference (BDC) is adopting the theme of 'Decent Work, Better Future'. It will run from 2-4 July in the Assembly Rooms, Belfast.
Irish Congress Of Trade Unions Conference Begins
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions conference opens today in Belfast, which will see over 700 delegates debate the economic crisis and the reform of trade union structures. The Biennial Delgate Conference (BDC) is adopting the theme of 'Decent Work, Better Future'. It will run from 2-4 July in the Assembly Rooms, Belfast.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.