Social partners set for intense negotiations with Government

The social partners are getting ready to enter a new set of intensive negotiations on cutbacks in Government spending.

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has returned home from a trade mission to Japan for talks this week with unions and employers on how to rescue the economy.

His Cabinet Ministers have warned that drastic cuts are on the way, but unions are vowing to resist any effort to reduce workers' pay.

Vice President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Peter McLoone, said these negotiations will be the toughest in decades.

“We expect that on the Taoiseach’s return there will be an intense engagement.

“I expect we will be working on a daily basis with the Government next week,” he said.