Economy/Political/Anti Austerity

Conference calls upon the incoming Executive to work with its affiliated unions to:

• Demand the NI Executive brings forward a Northern Ireland economic growth strategy underpinned by public-led investment with a particular focus on an activist manufacturing strategy;
• Oppose the current proposals to reduce corporation tax levels at the cost of even deeper cuts to public services and social spending;
• Promote the special circumstances of Northern Ireland and the need for these to be reflected in increased funding, for both revenue and capital expenditure, by HM Treasury.
• Promote a wage-led growth strategy and develop and roll-out strategies to end poverty pay;
• Oppose the austerity cuts to public services and social welfare provision dictated by the Westminster government; and enforced through the Fresh Start Agreement;
• Seek the transfer of tax-varying powers to the NI Executive and the full use of existing progressive fiscal levers to resource and sustain world-class public services, vital infrastructural investment and investment; and,
• Demand the NI Executive repeal anti-trade union legislation restricting workers’ and union rights and extend collective bargaining across the economy, particularly those sectors afflicted by poverty pay.
• That NIC/ICTU must continue to give the lead in the anti-austerity campaign and the fight for jobs. Leading protest campaigns and building support for co-ordinated industrial action involving Northern Ireland Public and Private Sector workers.

Conference pledges to continue its opposition to the UK government’s policies of penalising the poor for the economic crisis. To this end conference commits to continue a vibrant opposition to austerity in collaboration with our colleagues in the TUC, STUC and WTUC.