ASTI to mount 'campaign of resistance'

Teaching union ASTI has vowed to launch a campaign of resistance against the government's Budget cuts.

The union said it has no interest in engaging with the Government on any issue following the announcement of cuts to public sector pay.

Public sector unions will continue to meet tomorrow and early next week to "firm up" plans for a campaign of resistance against cuts, ASTI General Secretary John White said.

"Relations now are at the lowest possible ebb," Mr White said. "They couldn't possibly get any worse."

"We have no interest in engaging with this Government on any issue given that they have slashed our wages by 14%."

Relations between unions and the Government worsened yesterday when the Irish Bank Officials Association said unions should focus on removing the Government from power.