CIÉ protest - State has a responsibility to workers

AS CIÉ workers gave the nation a free ride in their “no fares” protest yesterday, the Government fired a shot across the bows of public service unions with a blunt warning that benchmarking pay commitments would only be met if conditions set down in the partnership deal were honoured.

The three-pronged broadside came from Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Tánaiste Mary Harney and Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy.

As thousands availed of the chance to travel on trains and buses free of charge, Mr McCreevy reminded unions the public service pay bill would only be delivered if there was no industrial action and if real change was achieved to improve services.