The Tánaiste Joan Burton has said she believes that the upcoming pay talks with public-sector unions should solely focus on those who are currently classed as low and middle-income earners.
The discussions are set to get underway tomorrow with the Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin keen on resolving the issue of pay cuts imposed on those during the recession. However SIPTU members have clearly stated that the reversal of the public-sector pension levy should be on the table.
The Tanaiste says: “Public-sector workers, along with private sector workers, benefitted from the USC, and the tax reductions in the Budget.” “The focus in terms of the Budget should be in relation to further USC reform for low- and middle-income earners. She added: “I think that the same approach will probably be adopted in respect of the public service pay talks. But let the talks begin.”