The SIPTU proposals for a progressive alternative to the Universal Social Charge (USC) have been the subject of seminars for union members across the country in recent weeks.

The SIPTU Campaigns Department has presented the case for a Social Solidarity Charge (SSC) to replace the USC to District Council meetings from Cork to Cavan and also several union committees.

Among those delivering the seminars is SIPTU Researcher, Ger Gibbons.

He said: “The yield from the SSC would not go into central exchequer funds. It would be dedicated exclusively to redressing the ongoing social damage caused by the crisis and to addressing the key social challenges now facing Irish society.

“The SSC system would also remove the liability for payment completely from workers earning the living wage, of €11.50 per hour, or less.”

In the weeks up to the Budget in early October the SIPTU Campaigns Department will bring the union’s call for greater tax equality to hundreds more SIPTU members.

For further information on an alternative proposal to the USC click HERE.