Unions to escalate industrial action with work stoppages

Public services trade unions have confirmed an escalation in their action against budget pay cuts.

The Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) following a meeting in Dublin today have decided to escalate the action through a series of work stoppages across the public service, which is set cause severe disruption to schools and health services.

"The next phase in the industrial action would be in the form of a withdrawal of labour," said Peter McLoone, committee chairperson.

"Individual unions will be making announcements and serving notice of work stoppages in the coming days."

The move is the latest development in the increasingly bitter standoff between Government and the unions.

On Friday, the Civil Public Services Union - which represents around 13,000 lower-paid civil servants - served formal strike notice on the Government.

Members are preparing for "selective strikes" from Monday week in an escalation of their row with the Government over cuts to pay and pensions.

Yesterday the Frontline Alliance issued a statement saying it will support an escalation of industrial action over public sector pay cuts.

The umbrella group represents gardaí, nurses, fire fighters, prison officers and ambulance personnel.