Ictu not seeking return of social partnership, says Patricia King

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is not seeking the return of social partnership and is not in secret talks to bring it about, according to general secretary Patricia King.

Addressing the Communication Workers’ Union in Galway, Ms King said wage increases offer the only “sustainable basis” for economic progress.

“Let me make it exceptionally clear – congress are not seeking to revitalise social partnership and are not talking to anyone, in secret or otherwise, on the matter,” she said.

Ms King told some 350 delegates that the State’s demands in public contracts had caused the 999 emergency call service strike. She had “absolutely no doubt” contracts were being won with the “lowest possible tender price”, though essential public services require the “utmost accuracy and precision”.

Ms King claimed that employee earnings at the BT emergency call answering service (ECAS) was “deficient” and criticised employment conditions there.

The State’s €8 billion public procurement budget should be awarded to companies honouring new EU rules incorporating social, environmental and labour clauses into national legislation, she said.