Public-sector workers are to take to the streets of Dublin this evening in protest over pay cuts announced in the Budget.
The rally outside Leinster House comes as the Dáil debates legalisation that will reduce public service wages by between 5 and 15%.
Unions are objecting to the cuts, and are warning that the private sector is next to see wages slashed.
This week the Irish Congress of Trade Unions will unveil its battle plans warning measures will involve all forms of action and would not rule out open-ended strikes.
Meanwhile, its being reported that such cuts could be extended to those working in semi-state bodies like the ESB CIE and the VHI.
However, unions say such cuts will notbe tolerated.
Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan’s speech is available to read here, or to watch here.
The Government’s summary of the measures announced in the Budget is available here.
© Examiner Publications (Cork) Limited, City Quarter, Lapps Quay, Cork. Registered in Ireland: 73385.