Unions warn Government they will strike if pay cuts are imposed

After the divisions which emerged between them during the debate on Croke Park II, pro and anti-deal unions have united to warn the Government they will strike if pay cuts are unilaterally imposed.

Public service trade union leaders affiliated to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) met in Dublin yesterday to formally ratify the majority decision by their members to reject Croke Park II and to consider their response if pay cuts are imposed.

The meeting lasted little more than 20 minutes after which the secretary of the Ictu public services committee told reporters: “I don’t think there is any doubt that if the Government moves to unilaterally cut the pay of public servants that there will be a campaign of industrial action. I don’t think there is any dispute about that.”