WEAKER members of the work force in the private and public sectors would become casualties in free for all wage negotiations, the Minister of State for Enterprise and Employment, Mr Pat Rabbitte, has warned.
At the opening of the annual conference of Democratic Left in Dun Laoghaire last night, he said that, despite the limitations of the past three national agreements, more workers had done better than they would have under free collective bargaining.
The economic recovery that had grown out of almost nine years of social partnership had been remarkable, he told delegates during debate on motions which called on the party to use its influence in Government to set the agenda for any future national agreement.
Another motion called for the setting up of an inspectorate to ensure that legal rates of pay and working conditions were being applied, especially in construction and in the hotel and catering industries.
Mr Rabbitte said the question for trade unionists was whether they wanted "to go back to the era of illusory wage increases and put £50 a month on the average mortgage repayments. We have entered a no inflation era and workers in particular will pay the price if interest rate trends are reversed."
Despite the balance of advantage to workers and the economy, it might not prove possible to negotiate a new national programme. "Some of the noises offstage may be unwittingly or unintentionally generating a self fulfilling prophecy," he said.
There were trade union voices raised in the demand for a "radically new and different model" of national programme. "I accept that it should include genuine tax reforms and I believe that it must also have as a priority proposals to tackle the social and economic exclusion of tens of thousands of our people."
This would involve other social interests including farmers and employers acknowledging that they had a contribution to make in tackling the biggest threat to the future cohesion of Irish society.
The setting up of an integrated community police service was called for by Mr Eric Byrne TD during debate on crime motions which acknowledged the progress made by the Government in tackling crime and reducing delays in the administration of justice.
"Effective crime prevention requires both legislative and administrative initiatives. It also requires an acceptance of individual and community responsibility. Our society is built on the family in all its permutations'. At a time when youngsters are turning to crime in increasing numbers and at a younger age, parents must be part of the solution," Mr Byrne said.
Ms Kathleen Kelly (Sutton), who has worked with the Eastern Health Board on child care and protection, said that if there was to be no repetition of Kelly Fitzgerald type cases, a register was needed of "at risk" children. Another register was necessary to prevent abusers moving from one area to another and re offending.
Ms Kathleen Murphy (Kildare), a member of the Commission on the Family set up by the part leader and Minister for Social Welfare, Mr de Rossa, said the commission would make an interim report in October and a final report next year.
A lot of lip service was paid to family issues and even talk of ownership by conservative elements. The commission acknowledged there needed to be new realistic policies and strategies to support the family in the modern context.
Opening the conference, the Minister of State for the Marine, Mr Eamon Gilmore, said the party could be proud of its record. It made a difference to hundreds of thousands of people whose daily concerns had never been at the top of a government agenda.
"We are here this weekend to look beyond the programme for government, to identify issues, priorities and offer solutions to problems, not just for the next election but because Democratic Left should be helping to lead this country into the 21st century."
The conference continues today with debates on the economy, health, drugs, education and Northern Ireland. Mr de Rossa will address delegates this evening.
The Federation of Dublin Anti Water Charges campaign picketed last night's opening session and demanded an end to "this form of double taxation".