Union particularly pleased with effective 7% increase for lowest paid workers

Deal represents €5 million boost to workers’ pockets and the economy in current year

November 4th: Nearly 1,000 Unite members at Irish Life have voted overwhelmingly to accept a Labour Court recommendation which, when increments are factored in, will see the pay of members increase by a minimum of 2 per cent, with lower-paid clerical staff receiving pay increases of up to 7 per cent. In addition members will be compensated for the abolition of a long-standing profit-sharing scheme through a once-off lump sum payment of €1500. The union’s success in obtaining these benefits follows a vote for industrial action earlier this year in the wake of the company’s decision to impose a total pay freeze without consultation, coupled with their stated intention to abandon established agreements. The current agreement followed extensive engagement at the LRC and Labour Court.

Commenting, Unite Regional Officer Colm Quinlan said:

“This is not just a good deal for nearly 1,000 Unite members in Irish Life – it’s a great deal.

“Unite is particularly pleased with the 7 per cent increase for lower-paid clerical staff, which will have a significant impact on the living standards of those affected.

“The combination of across-the-board increases and unfreezing of increments also sends a welcome signal to workers throughout the financial sector that the some of the hardships endured over the past number of years may be coming to an end.

“This deal means that €5 million will flow into the pockets of Irish Life workers in the current year – and that, in turn, represents a significant injection of cash into the economy.

“Unite would urge all workers in the financial sector to take note of what has been achieved in Irish Life and to consider the benefits of collective and robust representation”, Colm Quinlan concluded.