THE Civil and Public Service Union (CPSU), in issuing protective strike notice, had better prepare for a long, bitter, costly and intransigent strike if that is where they are headed.

The Civil and Public Service Union (CSPU) has served the Government with strike notice.

EFFORTS are under way to rescue a €34 million equal pay settlement for civil servants before it turns into a High Court wrangle that could cost the State five times as much.