‘Strikers, count your blessings’

FINANCE Minister Brian Lenihan has told “uniquely protected” public service workers they should count their blessings and pull back from further strikes.

But he strongly hinted pay cuts in next month’s budget will be layered so the higher paid will suffer most.

Mr Lenihan said consumer prices are expected to fall by 6.6% in the next year and this will provide a buffer zone for equivalent wage cuts.