THE Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) has lodged a complaint against the State's largest union, SIPTU, with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

IBEC is complaining that in a circular sent out by the union to senior officials and activists it urges them to seek pay rises over and above the 9.25 per cent allowed for in Partnership 2000 before conceding extra productivity or changes in work practised.

IBEC has also written to the SIPTU president, Mr Jimmy Somers, telling him that the circular is "at variance with the terms, spirit and intent of Partnership 2000" and that it is advising its own members accordingly.

Under Partnership 2000, the 7.25 per cent pay increase is to be paid unconditionally across the board to workers over the three years of the agreement.

The remaining 2 per cent is also due to be paid, unless there are exceptional circumstances, but in return employers can negotiate for extra productivity or work place restructuring.

The circular was issued by Mr Somers a month ago, when he was still vice president of the union.

It is unlikely that SIPTU will agree to retract the circular in the wake of the massive 42 per cent vote in the union's presidential election for an anti partnership candidate, Ms Carolann Duggan.

The dispute is yet another indicator that Partnership 2000 faces stormy times ahead.