Public-sector unions are warning the Government that its opening the door to a slow sustained period of industrial action if legislation to cut the pay of civil servants is passed through the Dáil this week.
A protest by public servants takes place outside Leinster House this evening as TDs debate the emergency bill which will impose cuts of up to 15% on public sector pay.
The teachers union the INTO says the legislation will trigger a lengthy period of work-to-rule industrial action early next year.
The new general secretary of the union Sheila Nunan claimed that next year will be "riddled with conflict" and that the Government had irreparably damaged the relationship with its own employees.
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.
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