Menu
11/02/2009
Trade Unions Announce Mass Demonstrations
The Irish trade unions umbrella group has announced a series of major demonstrations after an emergency meeting this morning.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said the protests would go ahead on the 21 February over recent Government proposals on private and public sector workers.
Speaking before the meeting, ICTU's General Secretary David Begg described the latest measures, which include upping the pension contribution from public workers, as "lacking in fairness and focussing only on 'stabilising' the public finances, at the expense of economic renewal and job protection."
The group says it has developed a 10-point plan for national recovery which it feels will help address the problems in the Irish economy.
Several major demonstrations are to be held, according to Mr Begg. The campaign would kick off on Saturday 21 February but would be further developed over time.
Chairman of the public services committee of Ictu Peter McLoone said it would also be talking to other union leaders "about further action that may follow".
Today, one of Ireland's largest unions Siptu have backed the plans, and accused the government of driving a "wedge between public and private sector workers on behalf of rich and powerful supporters"
Marie Butler SIPTU Branch Organiser in Waterford, said: "It is time for the rich and famous in our society to support workers when we have to stand up for ourselves, rather than run us down, and its time for the selfish rich and famous to pay up."
(DW/BMcC)
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said the protests would go ahead on the 21 February over recent Government proposals on private and public sector workers.
Speaking before the meeting, ICTU's General Secretary David Begg described the latest measures, which include upping the pension contribution from public workers, as "lacking in fairness and focussing only on 'stabilising' the public finances, at the expense of economic renewal and job protection."
The group says it has developed a 10-point plan for national recovery which it feels will help address the problems in the Irish economy.
Several major demonstrations are to be held, according to Mr Begg. The campaign would kick off on Saturday 21 February but would be further developed over time.
Chairman of the public services committee of Ictu Peter McLoone said it would also be talking to other union leaders "about further action that may follow".
Today, one of Ireland's largest unions Siptu have backed the plans, and accused the government of driving a "wedge between public and private sector workers on behalf of rich and powerful supporters"
Marie Butler SIPTU Branch Organiser in Waterford, said: "It is time for the rich and famous in our society to support workers when we have to stand up for ourselves, rather than run us down, and its time for the selfish rich and famous to pay up."
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 April 2024
O'Dowd Rules Out Introduction Of Water Charges In NI
Minister for Infrastructure John O'Dowd has ruled out the introduction of household water charges in Northern Ireland.
O'Dowd Rules Out Introduction Of Water Charges In NI
Minister for Infrastructure John O'Dowd has ruled out the introduction of household water charges in Northern Ireland.
18 May 2017
ICTU Invited To Public Service Pay Talks
The Public Services Committee of ICTU have been invited to a discussion on public service pay and a continued approach to the unwinding of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation.
ICTU Invited To Public Service Pay Talks
The Public Services Committee of ICTU have been invited to a discussion on public service pay and a continued approach to the unwinding of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation.
18 January 2011
Political Donors' Identities Remain Protected
The individuals and companies behind party political donations in the North are to remain 'secret'. The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) said on Monday that the deteriorating security situation meant donors still needed to be protected.
Political Donors' Identities Remain Protected
The individuals and companies behind party political donations in the North are to remain 'secret'. The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) said on Monday that the deteriorating security situation meant donors still needed to be protected.
07 April 2010
Silent TUI Greets Coughlan Address
The Tanaiste has been greeted by an eerie silence at the Teachers' Union of Ireland conference today during her address on the new public sector pay deal. Minister for Education Mary Coughlan told delegates in Ennis today that without economic recovery the Government would be unable to finance public services.
Silent TUI Greets Coughlan Address
The Tanaiste has been greeted by an eerie silence at the Teachers' Union of Ireland conference today during her address on the new public sector pay deal. Minister for Education Mary Coughlan told delegates in Ennis today that without economic recovery the Government would be unable to finance public services.
24 November 2009
250,000 Workers Go On Strike
The country's largest unions have said they believe up to 250,000 workers have gone on strike today in response to the Government's plans to cut public sector pay. Much of the State's public sector has shut down for the day with nurses, teachers, firefighters and other civil servants joining the industrial action against the proposed chop of €1.
250,000 Workers Go On Strike
The country's largest unions have said they believe up to 250,000 workers have gone on strike today in response to the Government's plans to cut public sector pay. Much of the State's public sector has shut down for the day with nurses, teachers, firefighters and other civil servants joining the industrial action against the proposed chop of €1.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
