Pay rises for workers’ are top of the agenda for SIPTU members in the private and public sector. After years of economic crisis during which workers have borne the brunt of others failures the time has come for the rebalancing of earnings in favour of the real wealth producers.

The issue of pay was prominent at the two recent biennial SIPTU Divisional Conferences. At the Manufacturing Division Conference delegates heard that the Division's pay strategy had seen rises of on average 2% per annum delivered for over 50,000 workers.

At the Public Administration and Community Division conference delegates heard that their endurance during the economic crisis must now be recognised by the return of pay they had lost. Such ‘pay restoration’ was now a key issue and will be raised in discussions with Government in the coming months.

The pay rise campaign is not only based on the immediate interests of union members but also part of wider strategy of boosting the economy through consumer spending. More money in the pockets of workers means more money circulating in local communities and more tax revenues. The message is clear - what is good for workers is good for our society.

The union has weathered one of the worse storms it has faced in its history and is now on the front foot seeking to advance the standard of living for members and working people across the country.