Workers Solidarity Movement

Neither was there an announcement that clerical workers in public services would see an end of the pension levies and the universal social charge that have driven so many to the point where they were forced to claim family income supplement.

It is also noteworthy that Enda only thinks it’s morally wrong for those in paid employment to experience poverty, and it is quite clear from looking at government policy over the last four years, that this is the consensus amongst the cabinet. You only have value if you are making a profit for someone else or if you are working to ensure the cogs of government keep turning – though, not that much value.

Under Enda Kenny’s FG/Labour coalition, thousands of young people have been forced to emigrate because of low wages, few employment prospects and a dole rate of a measly €100 per week. Cuts in social welfare, rent allowance and mortgage supplement have forced people into virtual homelessness or into taking up cheaper, unsuitable accommodation. And all to protect the idle rich from the consequences of their economic crisis.

Despite assurances that a commission will look into the issue of low pay, and that there will be a range of back to work supports and recommendations to raise the minimum wage, Kenny, Burton and her henchman Ged Nash were quick to reassure business that there would be an exemption from paying employee PRSI for some employers to compensate – a further drain on our social insurance fund, and that any rise in the minimum wage would be gradual, no matter what the commission recommends.

In contrast with Enda’s theory of labour value morality, we believe that in our society each person should be able to give in accordance with their talent and ability, and receive in accordance with their needs and desires. In a world where enough food is produced to feed everyone on the planet several times over, where there exists a level of wealth, unprecedented in human history, no one should live in poverty.