Strike ballots set scene for unrest

The IMPACT trade union has voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action if the Government imposes further public sector pay cuts in this December's budget.

The union says its members in the public service have voted by 86% in favour of the move.

Members of the Unite trade union have also passed a similar ballot, setting the scene for major confrontation if the Government presses ahead with the contentious cutback.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Finance Minister Brian Lenihan have been repeatedly suggesting that they are planning a further reduction in public sector pay on top of the so-called pension levy imposed earlier this year.

News of the IMPACT ballot comes as the trade union movement prepares for a major campaign against the cutbacks being planned by the Government to plug the hole in the public finances.

Some unions say the cuts are designed to target ordinary citizens while the wealthy are protected from any hardship.