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Social Partnership : Not the Answer ???

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  • 23-01-2009 2:27pm
    #1
    Het-Field
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,350 ✭✭✭


    In 1987, under the stewardship of Ray McSharry, the Tallaght Strategy, and the formation of the Progressive Democrats, the concept of social partnership was born.

    Cross clevage discussion on economic strategy, pay deals, taxation etc became the order of the day. No longer was any group excluded, and many commentators consider the model to be the backbone of our economic prosperity.

    However, I fear that this model has potentially run its course. The Unions have been used to getting good deals, the government have been used to having plenty of money to deal with, and both parties have been happy.

    At the moment there is no money to deal with, and Union demands for pay increases will have to fall on deaf ears. As a result we are going to end up with a stalemate situation. While the government and IBEC can agree, the likes of Jack O Conner and Patricia King will say no in an unequivocal fashion. While when dealing with Union demands, the Government will have to say no, as thei hands are tied.

    This is all a result of the good times, and when social partnership demands were easy to satify on both sides. Unfortunatly, it is noit sustainable.

    Is it time for the Government to do away with social partnership, and seek a new model. Or, would it be more accaptable to maintain the status quo, and allow unreasonable demands on both sides, which will result in no agreement ?


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