THE battle to control States wage costs is likely to intensify as a result of the latest inflation figures, released today.
Prices have risen by an average 4.8 per cent since June 2003, up from 3.7 per cent in the 12 months to mid-March, fuelled primarily by higher housing costs.
However, the underlying rate - excluding the cost of housing - was 3.4 per cent, which is within the inflation target of 3.5 per cent.
The main union representing States manual workers has already threatened to become ‘entrenched’ and intends to act to secure a higher wage increase than the two per cent a year currently on the table for this year and next.
Transport and General Workers Union official Nick Corbel said that his members had to be able to pay their bills.
Article posted on 22nd July, 2004 - 12.00am
Most Commented: