Union threats - Strike plan won’t work

IT IS difficult to disagree with Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s Dáil assertion — supported by Labour leader Eamon Gilmore — yesterday that strikes will “do nothing” to help the country resolve the difficulties we all face.

Nevertheless, in a game of brinkmanship unsuited to these unique and frightening times, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions may close the country down for a day in March.

It is not hard to understand positions reached through fear and anger but it is more difficult to understand what might be achieved by this confrontation. This is a pity as trade unions are part of the solution to our woes. If we accuse Government of prevarication and a lack of leadership, we cannot avoid accusing some unions of being unrealistic.