Trade associations continue talks with JLC

Despite communication between the trade associations and both Tánaiste (pictured) and Minister for Labour Affairs Billy Kelleher TD, there is "no political appetite" to get involved in the matter

RGDATA and CSNA continue bid to defer further wage increases in the retail sector while Tánaiste Mary Coughlan refuses to get involved

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This month talks between the trade associations and the Retail Grocery and Allied Trades Joint Labour Committee are continuing, following the implementation of the first of two 2.5% wage increases for the retail sector on 24 April.

Although over 600 individual retailers wrote to the JLC last month expressing their fears for job retention should the 2009 increases go ahead, their proposal for a deferral was turned down.

IBEC has responded to the decision by saying: “The application of the increase due on the 24 April 2009 is a denial of the new economic and business realities and only serves to undermine support by employers for the JLC system.” Regarding the further increase due on 24 October, IBEC said that the need to restore competitiveness and reduce costs “are persuasive grounds” for its deferral, and that employers are now “assessing all options open to them to ensure this is achieved.”

Also disappointed with the outcome of last month’s meetings, Vincent Jennings, CEO of the CSNA, said it was “improper” that an arm of the State could refuse to allow discussion on the matter. He added: “Not to be able to turn around the ship now, and see what’s patently obvious, is frustrating.”

Jennings revealed that there has been correspondence between the trade associations and both the Tánaiste and the Minister for Labour Affairs Billy Kelleher TD. Tara Buckley, director RGDATA, said that following meetings with “a senior official” it has been made clear that there is “no political appetite” to intervene, and that seeking resolution through the JLC is preferred by both ministers.  

Buckley said that in the JLC meeting set to take place in the second week of May, a specifically worded submission will reiterate retailers’ position and will seek a deferral of wage increases for 18 months. Buckley also stated that the social partners will be meeting shortly to discuss the possibility of a pay freeze until 2010, the outcome of which may have a bearing on adjacent private sectors.

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