Trade unions gear up for protests

TRADE unions have organised meetings this week to plot a schedule of protests against the Government’s economic revival strategy.

Their gatherings are expected to coincide with tomorrow’s announcement by Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Finance Minister Brian Lenihan of a revised €7 billion state investment to shore up the country’s two main banks.

However, Environment Minister John Gormley has indicated a showdown is looming over the Government’s reluctance to cut bonuses to AIB and Bank of Ireland executives who could claim entitlements under their contracts.