Defence Forces won't be gagged on pay cuts, warns union

The Defence Forces union today warned the Government its members would not be gagged over potential pay cuts.

PDFORRA, representing soldiers, sailors and aircrew, said the Department of Defence banned it from protesting against Government cutbacks.

The body was told to withdraw from a public sector alliance fighting proposed wage cuts in the McCarthy Report.

But at the association’s annual conference in Carlow general secretary Gerry Rooney vowed the body would campaign whatever the consequences.

“We do not accept that we can be silenced on the issue of our pay or indeed cuts to our pay,” he said.

“The insistence of the Department that we should not question or campaign on this issue is not one that we can comply with.

“If PDFORRA cannot question or campaign on this issue then it might as well not exist – and, accordingly, we will bear any actions that it is intended to take against us.”

Mr Rooney said it would be a poor day for freedom of speech if members are precluded from voicing their concerns.

Addressing the association’s conference Defence Minister Willie O’Dea said members must work within the rules.

“While there are issues of deep concern to PDFORRA members that are shared with unions and other associations, the unique and specific nature of the Defence Forces role requires that PDFORRA operate within the already agreed processes,” the minister said.

PDFORRA claimed it was told to withdraw from the 24/7 Frontline Services Alliance, representing some 100,000 public servants.

“It is our intention to conduct a ’single organisation – 24/7 Front Line Services’ campaign to send out the message that just like guards, nurses, prison officers and firefighters – soldiers, sailors and aircrew have paid their fair share and it’s time for others to pay theirs,” Mr Rooney said.