ICTU conference sets scene for talks on new deal

The last Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) conference of the millennium, held in July 1999, may have lacked some of the "bite" of its predecessors, but underneath the evident contentment engendered by a booming economy, it is clear that major challenges lie ahead, including the negotiation of a successor to Ireland's current national agreement, Partnership 2000.

The ICTU's two-yearly conference held in Killarney on 6-8 July 1999 reflected the widespread positive mood in Ireland due to the country's enormous economic growth of recent years. It is clear, however, that major challenges lie ahead for the trade unions, not least regarding the negotiation of an agreement to replace Partnership 2000 (P2000) (IE9702103F), the current national programme which runs from January 1997 to March 2000.

The question of whether there should be a new national agreement was played down at the conference, with the emphasis placed on the wider challenges facing the trade union movement in the new millennium. These include how to make the unions relevant to young persons, how to attract new members, what role unions should play in facilitating industrial change and the importance of achieving management/union partnership at enterprise level.

A formal decision to sanction the ICTU executive to enter talks on a new deal is expected on 4 November 1999 when delegates gather in Dublin.

For all the efforts to play down the prospects of a new agreement, the issue was never far below the surface in Killarney. While speakers refused to predict the possible shape of a pay deal, it seems clear that they will not be simply seeking annual percentage increases, but a combination of basic cost-of-living increases and a performance-related/local element. Tax reductions will also play a crucial role in how the social partners construct a total net income package for employees generally.

The centrepiece of the conference was a special address by the director general of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC), John Dunne. The results of the past 12 years of social partnership spoke for themselves, he said, providing a short list of the various achievements to which it had contributed to: a huge rise in employment; a dramatic fall in unemployment; an end to migration; real gains in living standards; increased profitability; and a sharp fall-off in disputes. Those who have gained include: people in jobs and those who have found jobs; those who have come back to Ireland; women wishing to work; social welfare recipients; taxpayers and future taxpayers; and consumers and business.

However, Mr Dunne acknowledged that not everyone has benefited. Those who have not and whose position remains a key challenge are: a core group of long-term unemployed people; first-time house buyers; early school-leavers; and those needing access to childcare.