Top civil servants back strike plans

Top-ranking civil servants have voted in favour of joining a one-day strike over the Government’s planned €4bn Budget cuts, it was revealed today.

The Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants (AHCPS) backed next Tuesday’s walk-out by 60% to 40% as the dispute over pay cuts deepened.

The group, which has more than 3,300 members, will join nurses, teachers and healthcare administrators who have already voted for industrial action.

AHCPS general secretary, Dave Thomas, said the ballot demonstrated opposition to the Government and its focus on cutting civil service pay.

“We recognise the difficult situation the country is in, but we feel an inordinate burden is being placed on us and fellow public sector employees and our families,” he said.

The AHCPS claimed its members have effectively taken a 17% pay cut in the last year and were not prepared to be made scapegoats for the recession.

“We have continually and openly worked with Government on creating a more modern, flexible, and high-quality public service, and are disappointed that this contribution is being ignored in preference to a blinkered focus on pay cuts,” Mr Thomas said.

“We have consistently said that the Government should reform the tax code to make sure everyone, including civil and public servants, pays their fair share.

“This should be the number one priority for raising revenue rather than taking more action against public sector workers.”

Three quarters of AHCPS members voted in the ballot with the strike proposal carried by 1,471 votes to 979 votes.