Unions enter endgame

WEDNESDAY’S Ictu vote may finally present the Government with a “formal” trade union position on Croke Park II, but what will it be worth if doctors, nurses, teachers, and gardaí are utterly opposed?

It has been all about the bottom line for the Government in its two years in power and, no matter what the outcome on Wednesday, it will be free to introduce the legislation, which will save €300m this year and €1bn over the next three years from the public service pay and pensions bill.

Even the slimmest majority in favour and ministers can claim the backing of the trade union movement for the Croke Park II proposals. From the start of July, overtime rates will be cut, premium payments slashed, and work practices revolutionised to make the required savings.