CPSU and INO discuss response to pension levy

The executives of two of Ireland's largest public-sector unions are meeting today to discuss the Government's decision to impose a pension levy on their members.

The Civil and Public Service Union and the Irish Nurses Organisation have both expressed anger at the move, which was announced by Taoiseach Brian Cowen last week.

They are also unhappy with the Government's decision to withhold pay rises due under the social partnership process as part of measures to cut €2bn in public spending this year.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is also holding a meeting to discuss possible protest actions in response to the measures.

The unions say they are determined to highlight the unjust and unbalanced nature of the pension levy and are not ruling out the possibility of strike action.