Unite joins threat to strike over imposed public
service pension levy
9th February 2009
The Unite trade union public sector forum has
voted to take whatever action is necessary, up to and including
strike action, in opposition to the imposed public sector pension
levy. Unite represents 5,000 public sector members in third level
education, health, local authority, civil service and non
commercial state agencies including Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland.
It also represents 60,000 private sector workers.
“Our members are angry at the lack of
communication, frustrated at the barrage of misleading commentary
about the public sector and determined to fight this wage cut
dressed up as a pension levy,” said Dermot Mahon, chairman of the
Unite public sector forum after today’s heated meeting of 120
representatives in Dublin.
“We are conscious of the duty of public care
which is entrusted to us and mindful that the work our members do
is in many ways central to Ireland’s ability to navigate a way
through the economic problems we face. We demand however that we
are treated with respect and that proper negotiation take place
over any measures which might be undertaken. The government has
shown us no respect in this instance.”
“Its unilateral decision to withdraw from its
own national wage agreement, and to impose this additional sanction
on workers in the public sector will be strenuously opposed by our
members and fellow trade unions representing the working people of
Ireland, regardless of whether they are paid by private enterprise
or national government.”
ENDS
Further information: Rob Hartnett – Hartnett
McClure PR M: +353 (0)86 3851955
Email to a friend
Want to share this story? These sites allow you to tag and share links across the internet enabling you to share these links with friends and people with similar interests. You can also access your links from any computer you happen to be using.
