Cowen urges unions not to strike

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen is warning that strikes will do nothing to help the economy.

Brian Cowen was speaking in Offaly today after trade unions this week stepped up their opposition to public sector pay cuts, expected in December's Budget.

Yesterday the Frontline Service Alliance, which represents gardaí, nurses and prison officers, announced that members who are permitted to ballot for industrial action will do so.

Meanwhile the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is to hold mass rallies on November 6 in protest at the Government's economic strategy, while IMPACT wants to hold a one-day strike on November 24.

Speaking at the opening of the new Tullamore by-pass today the Taoiseach said he is hopeful of a positive outcome from talks with the social partners in the coming weeks.

“I think everyone recognises that industrial relations problems will do nothing to assist recovery.

“There is an issue here that we have to deal with.

“We have set out our assessments to the social partners and there will be intensive discussions with the social partners in the coming weeks,” he said.