Menu
01/10/2010
Pay Rises Before 2013 'Unrealistic' – IBEC
An influential Irish employers group has said any expectation of a pay rise by employees is "unrealistic".
The employers' body IBEC made the claim after publishing the results of its survey showing the majority of companies could still not afford pay increases over the next two years.
The survey claimed that the total pay bill of 467 companies surveyed had fallen by just under 3% this year and that around seven out of ten firms had imposed pay freezes.
However, the survey also found that around 13% went further, cutting basic pay rates by an average of 11%. 6% expect to cut basic pay further by on average 9.5%.
Jack O'Connor, President of SIPTU and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has challenged IBEC's assertion, saying "a blanket pay freeze is not the right way to go".
Mr O'Connor said a much more subtle approach was required as exports are booming despite domestic consumption, which accounts for 60 per cent of the economy, still in decline.
"Persuading people to spend again is the key to jobs. A pay freeze across the economy would serve only to further depress consumption, especially at a time when the Government is insisting on continuing with its absurd policy of taking another enormous amount out of the economy in Budget 2011."
"IBEC's call for a pay freeze to 2013 is completely counterproductive because, apart from anything else, it fuels the fear and apprehension which is preventing people from spending," he said.
Mr O'Connor said Ireland was at the top of the league in the EU on labour productivity and that according to the recent CSO Measuring Ireland's Progress Survey we were 33% ahead of the average for Europe.
"In fact we are among the top seven performers, coming in ahead of the UK and Germany. Moreover our position on pay and productivity improves by 22 places in the ranking in the recent World Competitiveness Report."
Mr O'Connor described IBEC's call for a blanket pay freeze as "both opportunistic and irresponsible. He called on the employers organisation to adopt "a more subtle and progressive approach to pay bargaining".
(DW)
The employers' body IBEC made the claim after publishing the results of its survey showing the majority of companies could still not afford pay increases over the next two years.
The survey claimed that the total pay bill of 467 companies surveyed had fallen by just under 3% this year and that around seven out of ten firms had imposed pay freezes.
However, the survey also found that around 13% went further, cutting basic pay rates by an average of 11%. 6% expect to cut basic pay further by on average 9.5%.
Jack O'Connor, President of SIPTU and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has challenged IBEC's assertion, saying "a blanket pay freeze is not the right way to go".
Mr O'Connor said a much more subtle approach was required as exports are booming despite domestic consumption, which accounts for 60 per cent of the economy, still in decline.
"Persuading people to spend again is the key to jobs. A pay freeze across the economy would serve only to further depress consumption, especially at a time when the Government is insisting on continuing with its absurd policy of taking another enormous amount out of the economy in Budget 2011."
"IBEC's call for a pay freeze to 2013 is completely counterproductive because, apart from anything else, it fuels the fear and apprehension which is preventing people from spending," he said.
Mr O'Connor said Ireland was at the top of the league in the EU on labour productivity and that according to the recent CSO Measuring Ireland's Progress Survey we were 33% ahead of the average for Europe.
"In fact we are among the top seven performers, coming in ahead of the UK and Germany. Moreover our position on pay and productivity improves by 22 places in the ranking in the recent World Competitiveness Report."
Mr O'Connor described IBEC's call for a blanket pay freeze as "both opportunistic and irresponsible. He called on the employers organisation to adopt "a more subtle and progressive approach to pay bargaining".
(DW)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 October 2005
Apprenticeship pay survey reveals gender pay gap
A UK survey published today on apprenticeship pay will help young people to make informed choices about their future careers. The survey of 5,500 work-based apprentices - the first of its kind to analyse pay by sector - shows that those on Government approved schemes are taking home over £500 a month on average.
Apprenticeship pay survey reveals gender pay gap
A UK survey published today on apprenticeship pay will help young people to make informed choices about their future careers. The survey of 5,500 work-based apprentices - the first of its kind to analyse pay by sector - shows that those on Government approved schemes are taking home over £500 a month on average.
30 January 2015
Union Seals Better Pay Deal For Woolwich Ferry Workers
A strike by Woolwich Ferry workers has been averted after Unite the union secured a better pay deal for the workforce, and persuaded ferry operator Briggs Marine to abandon threats to tear up long-standing agreements.
Union Seals Better Pay Deal For Woolwich Ferry Workers
A strike by Woolwich Ferry workers has been averted after Unite the union secured a better pay deal for the workforce, and persuaded ferry operator Briggs Marine to abandon threats to tear up long-standing agreements.
18 September 2014
DSG Workers To Ballot For Industrial Action Over Pay Dispute
Workers at the cash-rich Defence Support Group (DSG) are being balloted for industrial action in a dispute over pay, as the group faces being sold off to the private sector next year.
DSG Workers To Ballot For Industrial Action Over Pay Dispute
Workers at the cash-rich Defence Support Group (DSG) are being balloted for industrial action in a dispute over pay, as the group faces being sold off to the private sector next year.
17 February 2015
Police Forces Support Improved Pay Offer
Members of Unite the union, working for police forces in England and Wales have backed an improved pay offer in a ballot, it has been announced. Civilian staff, including 999 call handlers, scene of crime officers, police community support officers and custody officers, accepted the revised pay offer of 2.2%, or £400, whichever is greater, by 92%.
Police Forces Support Improved Pay Offer
Members of Unite the union, working for police forces in England and Wales have backed an improved pay offer in a ballot, it has been announced. Civilian staff, including 999 call handlers, scene of crime officers, police community support officers and custody officers, accepted the revised pay offer of 2.2%, or £400, whichever is greater, by 92%.
27 March 2008
Ryanair Freezes Top Staff Pay As Fuel Costs Soar
Much higher jet fuel costs have had an unexpected result with Ireland's main 'budget' airline imposing a pay freeze on management - although so far, there's no sign of job cuts. Ryanair will have to make cost savings of around €400m to compensate for the expected defecit and is holding management pay as a first step.
Ryanair Freezes Top Staff Pay As Fuel Costs Soar
Much higher jet fuel costs have had an unexpected result with Ireland's main 'budget' airline imposing a pay freeze on management - although so far, there's no sign of job cuts. Ryanair will have to make cost savings of around €400m to compensate for the expected defecit and is holding management pay as a first step.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
