Government must stop dragging its feet on public sector pay – Smith
Government must stop dragging its feet on public sector pay – Smith - The Labour Party
Labour’s Duncan Smith TD has called on the Taoiseach and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers to put forward a credible public sector pay proposal and begin meaningful negotiations immediately. Raising the dispute in the Dáil today, Deputy Smith challenged Government’s delays as more than 100,000 public and civil servants begin industrial action over the failure to secure a new agreement.
Deputy Smith said:
“Government has dragged its feet on public sector pay. Ministers knew when the previous agreement would expire. They had time to engage with unions and work towards a fair successor deal. Instead, they allowed this situation to escalate.
“Public servants face the same rent, grocery bills and energy costs as every other household. They need a credible pay proposal. These workers keep our hospitals, schools, councils and public services running.
“In the Dáil today, the Taoiseach failed to recognise the urgency of what is happening today. Government cannot allow this dispute to deepen while ministers repeat that they want talks.
“The Labour Party stands in solidarity with the workers today. The Taoiseach and Minister Chambers must put a credible pay proposal on the table, engage seriously with unions and secure an agreement. Government must stop delaying and take action now.”