THE union representing lower paid civil servants has warned that their industrial action is likely to escalate if no deal on public sector pay and reform is reached at intensive talks this weekend.

THE stakes have been significantly raised in the Government’s conflict with the public sector unions with passport workers ready to strike early next week if their pay is docked.

THE country’s 13,000 civil servants have threatened to take industrial action amid concerns about dangers posed by mobile phone masts on the roofs of buildings in which they work.

THE Government will have to pay €34m to 5,500 lower-paid civil servants, primarily women, in the largest equal pay award in this country.