Unions warn of collective action to protect pay

Unions representing 70,000 frontline public service staff have threatened collective industrial action over the Government’s plans to cut the take-home pay of their members under Croke Park II.

The 24/7 Frontline Alliance, which comprises gardaí, nurses, prison officers, and other frontline staff, says the measures proposed by the Government to cut the public service pay bill by €1bn impacts disproportionately on its members. That is because it says premium payments, allowances, and overtime make up a large proportion of existing take-home pay for its members, compared to most of the rest of the public service which is not required to cover a 24/7 roster.

The alliance will hold a press conference next Tuesday, at which it will detail the potential impact of the proposals on the incomes of particular frontline staff.