SIPTU boycotted this evening's start of talks on the second half of the current national pay agreement, Sustaining Progress.
In a statement, the union said it was extremely concerned by the absence of any reference to the right and interest of workers in the public transport and aviation sectors by the Tanaiste in 'strident' remarks made over the weekend.
'We are party to an agreement with the Government which provides for a process by means of which the issues can be dealt with in an open and transparent manner, in the public interest, with due regard to security and quality of employment and standards of employment going forward,' the SIPTU statement said.
'In the light of the Tanaiste's criticial omission of any reference to this aspect of the matter, we do not consider it appropriate to participate in discussions on the second part of the Sustaining Progress agreement - at least pending clarification that the whole Government will honour its commitment on these matters in full,' it added.
Today's talks marked the formal start to negotiations on the second half of the current national pay agreement, Sustaining Progress. That ends in July and whatever is agreed here over the next few weeks will determine what pay rises a large part of the workforce will receive over the next year and a half.
SIPTU's withdrawal is a major setback to this round of Partnership talks. It seems inevitable now that the future of semi-state companies will be forced onto the agenda.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has described the SIPTU move as a retrograde step. He said that the reform of Aer Rianta was part of Government policy, but they have committed to discuss the issues with the trade unions and they were still in that process.
