Union considers industrial action over levy

A one day nationwide stoppage by lower paid civil servants is being planned for later this month, it was confirmed this afternoon.

Members of the Civil and Public Service Union (CPSU) are to be balloted on strike action over the next week.

If industrial action gets the go-ahead it will mean a one day stoppage on February 26, at places such as Garda Stations and Social Welfare offices around the country.

The union is also planning a demonstration outside the Dáil on February 18.

The Taoiseach said this afternoon he would be disappointed if any public service unions engage in industrial action.

“I mean obviously one would be disappointed if industrial action were to be an outcome here,” Mr Cowen said.

“We obviously had to proceed with decisions last week in the wider context of concerns in the wider economy regarding employment and regarding the public finances.”