Sir, - I do believe we have to differentiate between public sector and private sector pay. When certain sections of the economy are roaring as they are now, pay and benefits expand. However, when the economy contracts, so do pay and benefits in the private sector, even to the degree of people losing their jobs.
I believe that public sector employees should be rewarded in times of plenty but not by the exclusive means of raising core salaries. They should be given a bonus based on budget surplus at year end coupled with growth rates. In other words, when budget surplus and growth fall below a certain level the bonus ceases to be paid. This means that we would not be burdened with excessive public sector salaries when the economy turns.
Please let us have a little imagination and lateral thinking. This is the time for real partnership. - Yours, etc.
P. Jordan, Whitebeam Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14.