SIPTU Calls For Pay Rises In The Private Sector

Tuesday, 8 February 2022 17:37

By Caoimhe Harney

To address the spiralling costs of living

SIPTU is campaigning for pay rises for its members employed across the private sector.

It's being re-evaluated due to the sharp increase in the cost of living which is particularly impacting on lower paid workers.

SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Gerry McCormack, said: “It is clear that the rate of inflation, along with corresponding or even greater rises in heating, food and transport costs, are wiping out gains that workers have made in terms of pay rises.

"It is clear that this higher rate of inflation is also likely to be maintained for a considerable period of time.

“In light of these developments, SIPTU representatives are reassessing our pay campaign in order to assist our members in defending their standard of living for themselves and their families.

"The living wage is €12.90, but we have people who are covered by sectoral agreements.

"People in the security industry who haven't had a wage increase in over two years.

"People in hospitality, who were the worst hit by the pandemic and now they are back to work and struggling with the cost of living," he insisted.

"We will be considering what rates of pay increase we will now be pursuing, as well as the possibility of front loading and shorter terms of duration for agreements.

“The cost of living increases are particularly affecting those workers paid at or near the minimum wage level or tied into rates associated with Employment Regulation Orders (ERO).

"The rising costs of heating, food and transport for these workers are in many cases forcing them into debt or extreme poverty.

"We are committed to fighting for our members in these circumstances while the Government must take immediate action to assist workers dealing with the current cost increases," he added.

Deputy General Secretary, SIPTU,Gerry McCormack spoke with Ciara Noble on Tuesday's Kildare Focus: