‘Selfish’ strikes to hit ailing economy

TODAY’S public sector strike has been called a selfish act which could cause further damage to an economy already on life support. This is according to some of the groups representing the private sector, which are outraged at moves by public sector unions to go ahead with the one-day strike.

Chambers Ireland said the public sector unions are “living in a dream world”, while small business group ISME said the move was a disgrace.

Chairman of Chambers Ireland’s HR policy council, John Forde said: “Large numbers of private sector companies and their employees are fighting for survival on a daily basis.

“Many businesses will also lose out on a day’s work because their customer is the public sector. Moreover, large numbers of private sector workers who are struggling to hold on to their jobs will be prevented from attending work because of transportation challenges, pickets on work places or the need to look after dependents.”

He said the strike was a selfish act, adding it was hard to believe union leaders and public sector employees do not recognise the reality that the state must cut costs.

ISME called on the Government to hold firm and not to concede to the “unions in pursuit of their selfish aims of maintaining their generous terms and conditions of employment”.

ISME chief executive, Mark Fielding called the strike decision a disgrace and said public sector union bosses were leading their members “down a path of no return”.

“The reality is, whether union bosses realise it or not, the economy is in crisis and, as a country, we are spending more than we are earning. The Government has no option but to reduce the cost of running the public sector. The alternative is bankruptcy, leading to the IMF, the EU, or both, taking over the financial affairs of the state.”

“Strong government leadership, lacking to date, is required. Any concessions will send out the wrong message , nationally and internationally, and do irreparable damage to our reputation and the economy,” he said.