There was no basis for the sort of figures SIPTU is demanding to compensate members for the changeover to the euro, according to the industrial relations director of the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation.
Mr Brendan McGinty described claims being lodged with the CIE group of companies, the banks and major retailers by SIPTU and other unions as "bizarre". They were in breach of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, he said.
However, the SIPTU vice-president, Mr Jack O'Connor, said his members were entitled to make claims where appropriate, "and for IBEC to adopt a line precluding all claims, irrespective of circumstances, negatives the procedures provided for in the PPF".
Workers who can expect to have less work to do as a result of the conversion to the euro are currency assistants at the Central Bank. This does not preclude compensation.
The 5 per cent pay rise and lump sums of £1,600 they are each receiving for "embracing change" include compensation for lost overtime.
It is now becoming clear that claims will be lodged by unions for compensation of members facing extra workloads because of the euro.
For instance, clerical staff in Dublin Bus who voted on Thursday night to accept a 15 per cent pay rise and lump sums of £750 each in return for a restructuring deal that includes co-operation with continuing change are to present a euro claim.
A SIPTU branch secretary, Mr Tony Tobin, said yesterday the latest deal did not preclude a euro claim as far as he was concerned.
Mr McGinty put strong emphasis yesterday on a call by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, last July that "all the social partners play their full part in successfully managing the changeover" to the euro.
Mr Ahern added: "Besides avoiding inflationary price increases on the occasion of the euro changeover, it is equally important that inflationary, ongoing wage increases are avoided."
Mr O'Connor said yesterday that contrary to media reports SIPTU had not issued general guidelines to members to seek increases of 6 per cent for the euro conversion. "But we are supporting our branches in pursuit of claims that apply in particular cases," he said.