ICTU to discuss co-ordinated response to pension levy

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is holding a meeting today to discuss a co-ordinated response to the controversial pension levy being imposed on all public servants.

ICTU's public services committee will be hoping that its members agree a joint approach to fighting the measure, which it says is unfairly targeted at people on lower and middle incomes.

Yesterday, the Civil and Public Services Union decided to ballot its members on a proposed one-day work stoppage on February 26th to protest against the levy.

It says the measure, combined with the Government's decision to scrap pay rises due under the national wage agreement, is equivalent to pay cuts of up to 12% for CPSU members.

Meanwhile, teaching unions have not ruled out the possibility of industrial action as they prepare to meet today to discuss their response to the Government's actions.

They say the pension levy is a pay cut in disguise and will drive teachers out of the profession.