Congress votes to enter talks
17 Apr 2008
Congress today (April 17) voted overwhelmingly to enter new national talks on pay and workplace issues.
Some 350 delegates showed almost total unanimity in supporting a motion from the Executive Council - just four votes against - which endorsed entering new talks on an agreed platform.
The agreed Congress platform sets out five key issues that must be addressed in any forthcoming talks:
1. Pay increases to protect against increases in the cost of living and to distribute wealth;
2. A comprehensive pensions policy;
3. Legislation on Agency Workers;
4. Trade Union recognition and representation;
5. Investment in Public Services.
Delegates heard Congress General Secretary David Begg dismiss OECD calls for wage restraint and strongly criticised the huge salary increases enjoyed by Private Sector Executives. Mr. Begg also warned that the concept of the 'common good' which had been central to partnership "appears to have diminished on the employers' side".