Unions warn of 'all out war' if pay deal rejected

There is a warning that "all out war" could be on the cards if the new public sector pay deal is widely rejected by unions.

There has been a mixed reaction to the agreement so far, with two teacher groups already recommending their members reject the proposals.

The President of Congress, Siptu's Jack O'Connor, is urging workers to consider the plan on its merits, which include a no pay-cut guarantee for four years, in exchange for major reform.

Padraic Heverin, a nurse with Mayo Mental Health Services, said if multiple unions reject the proposals "it could spell disaster for industrial relations".