Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan has responded to today’s Budget announcements by saying a key test of the Budget 2021 provisions will be to what extent the additional spending lessens inequality.
Kevin said: “In today’s budget, the Government is spending money that we, the citizens, will have to repay, so the test should be to what extent does the spending result in less inequality? Inequality that has grown as a result of the experience during the financial crisis, where some emerged from it more strongly, but the majority are still stuck struggling with the effects of austerity.
We must say farewell to austerity and we must negotiate a new deal for public servants that provides recognition for the present and hope for the future.
“Covid has made that inequality worse, so it is welcome to see investment in public services that can benefit us all. But now we must also see an acknowledgement of the role of public servants. Not just during the pandemic, but also through the financial crisis too.
“We must say farewell to austerity and we must negotiate a new deal for public servants that provides recognition for the present and hope for the future,” he said.
My reaction to #Budget2021
1. It’s our money, we’ll have to repay it. 2. Effect on inequality is the key test. 3. Covid has made this worse. 4. Investment in public services is welcome because we all benefit. 5. But now we need a new deal for public servants. @irishcongress pic.twitter.com/PmA40SzLvk— Kevin Callinan (@kcallinan50) October 13, 2020
It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.