Unions plan mass demonstrations over pension levy

HUNDREDS of thousands of people will take to the streets in nationwide protests next week demanding the Government take the sole burden for economic recovery off the shoulders of ordinary workers.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is organising mass demonstrations across the country on February 21 in what unions say will be the last warning to Government before they start disruptive strikes.

A number of unions are already starting to seek a mandate for industrial action. They will start strikes within days of the protest if the Government does not backtrack on the imposition of the public sector pensions levy in its drive to save €2 billion and if it does not introduce measures forcing the wealthy members of society to play their part in the savings.