Vol. 440 No. 3
99 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance whether pay increases due to public service craftworkers have been met in full; if all increases under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress have been met prior to completion of negotiations under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Public service craftworkers have received all general increases due under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress Pay Agreement (4 per cent from 1 January 1991, 3 per cent from 1 January 1992 and 3.75 per cent from 1 January 1993). Negotiations are continuing between the Local Government Staff Negotiations Board (representing local authority and health board employers) and the craft unions on the implementation of an increase of £6.81 per week for these workers. As these negotiations are taking place under Clause 3 (the Local Bargaining Clause) of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress Pay Agreement, they must take full account of the implications for competitiveness, the need for flexibility and change and the contribution made by employees to such change.
