Unite launches new approach to tackle unemployment
11 June 2009
The Unite trade union, representing 60,000
workers, has called for an achievable, affordable and essential
stimulus programme for the Irish economy aimed at getting Ireland
back to work. The plan is aimed at providing a credible
alternative to the economic policies of the present government
which were so emphatically rejected in last week’s elections.
Speaking this morning at the Dublin launch of
‘Growing the Irish Economy’, Unite Regional Secretary Jimmy Kelly
outlined a stimulus programme aimed at saving and creating over
100,000 jobs through investment in infrastructure and
indigenous enterprise.
“The key to Ireland emerging from this
recession is to tackle unemployment,” said Kelly. “This is
the single standout cause of reduced tax revenue and increased
social welfare expenditure.”
“Present government policies are aimed in
completely the wrong direction by seeking to tackle the fiscal
deficit through sacrificing employment. Every other country
in the world knows there is only one possible result from that –
failure.”
“This government’s attitude to job maintenance
is best summed up by its approach to SR Technics. Allowing
over 1,000 workers lose jobs and go onto the dole will cost the
government a minimum €55 million in social welfare and
redundancy. Supporting the local management buy out would
have cost €15 million. They did nothing and we have to pay
the consequences.”
“The government says that this is down
to a world crisis and we cannot do anything ourselves that will
make a real difference. This is completely untrue.”
“Losing 100,000 jobs will cost a bare minimum
of €2 Billion in lost tax and increased social welfare, not to even
think about the long term social damage.”
“In order to avoid this we have outlined the
creation of economic recovery bonds; spreading the tax burden to
more fairly target the non productive wealthy asset base; raising
short term borrowing, albeit to less than the EU average to pay for
vital infrastructure investment; and reforming public expenditure
to address the €15 billion per annum currently spent on tax
allowances.”
“This government is failing the people of
Ireland.” “By their own admission the policy of tax increases
on working people and reduced spending has seen the deficit spiral
from 6 per cent last October, to their own target of 10.75 per cent
in April and an EU Commission forecast of 15.5 per cent.”
“The direct cause of this is unemployment with
over 400,000 people now on the live register.” “We have to
change from a vicious circle of decline to a virtuous one of
stimulus, job creation and reduced social welfare costs.”
“Every other country in the world can see this.”
“Today’s programme outlines how we can pay for
the stimulus programme we need. We will campaign to make sure
that every politician, every economist and every working person in
Ireland is given an opportunity to think differently, to change the
ruinous course on which we are currently embarked, and to save
Ireland from its current leaders failed policies.”
Copies of ‘Growing the Irish Economy can be
downloaded here
END
Jimmy Kelly, Regional Secretary of UNITE will be available for
interview at Buswells Hotel, Dublin 2 between 1030 and 1130.
Further information: Rob Hartnett – Hartnett McClure PR M:
+353 (0)86 3851955
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