Dispute between public sector unions and government could become 'serious war of attrition'

Public sector workers picket at Cork City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork City last month. Picture: Larry Cummins

The dispute between public sector unions and the government could become a "serious war of attrition", the former chairperson of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has warned. 

Some 300,000 public sector workers are due to strike on Thursday next week, which leaves the government in an embarrassing position as it coincides with the same day as Ireland's biggest event of its European presidency. 

Unions have claimed that the date of their strike, November 12, was not rescheduled to coincide with the European political community meeting in Dublin. 

November 11 had initially been signalled for the all-out strike after prolonged talks at the WRC stalled last Friday night. 

The strike could once again see the country grind to a standstill as teachers, nurses, civil and public servants intensify their industrial action. 

An independent group will meet both sides today, Tuesday, in a bid to break the deadlock between the Government and the unions.

Former chair of the WRC, Kieran Mulvey, warned that this dispute could become a "serious war of attrition." 

Speaking on RTÉ radio's Morning Ireland, Mr Mulvey said he did not think that the unions were “in the mindset” that they wanted to continue the current industrial action “beyond what was necessary” in order to reach an acceptable agreement which they could then recommend to their members for acceptance.

There was now a period of time in which agreement could be reached, he said. 

“A lot can happen in the interim. And we do have a period of time in which to do this."

If the strike goes ahead, Mr Mulvey said: “I think we're beginning to go into no man's land after that because it could become a serious war of attrition between the parties"

Mr Mulvey added: “I always used to say to parties, when you're looking into the big cavern between you, and you find the abyss looking back at you, it's time to do business and get the business done.”