19/01/2009

Public Sector Cuts Spark Outrage

Following speculation over major cuts in the public sector wages and jobs, workers' groups have slammed the proposals to curtail public spending.

Rubbishing the plans, the Irish Nurses Organisation has claimed the Government cannot legally reduce the pay of nurses and midwives.

Several senior ministers have been warning that civil and public servants will have to accept pay cuts as the Government seeks to slash €2billion in spending this year.

The INO says it has received legal advice confirming that the salaries of its members cannot be reduced without their agreement.

Meanwhile, the group representing rank-and-file members of the Defence Forces says it doesn't think pay cuts are necessary for its members.

PDFORRA says it is aware of the deteriorating public finances, but sees no need for this to involve a reduction in wages. It says members of the Defence Forces are already facing an increased workload due to a cut in recruitment.

The union's Deputy General Secretary, Simon Devereux, said: "PDFORRA will constructively engage with Government to help address the current difficulties which we accept are significant. However, we believe that this can be achieved without cutting the pay of our members.

"Members of the Defence Forces work long hours in difficult circumstances on behalf of the state and deserve to have their incomes maintained."

(DW/BMcC)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 October 2012
Cuts To Defence Forces Allowances 'Unacceptable'
The organisation which represents soldiers, sailors and aircrew within the Defence Forces has branded as totally unacceptable the decision to review or abolish allowances paid to personnel. The Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) says it is the only uniformed service not entitled to claim overtime.
15 December 2009
Van Drivers Protest Over Tesco
Some 25 drivers have launched an unofficial protest outside Tesco's dry goods distribution centre in Donabate in Dublin. The protest was sparked after their terms and conditions were changed after moving to another transport company as a result of an outsourcing deal. Some 80 drivers in total moved to the Stobart Group as part of the changes.
05 July 2010
Appeal For All-Ireland Economic Solution
As today's North-South summit got underway in Dublin, the Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has appealed for the NI Executive to act collectively "to meet the challenges being posed by the current economic situation". He said that the public spending cuts being proposed by the British government are a major island-wide challenge.
23 October 2009
Public Sector Pay Risen By 3.2%
Figures from the CSO have unexpectedly revealed that gross average weekly earnings in the public sector have risen by 3.2% for the year ended in June. However, the figures released today are for gross earnings, which do not account for the impact of the pension levy or income levy.
09 January 2009
Union 'Says No' To Public Service Pay Cut
Ireland's biggest public service union has slammed any speculation that it is accepting a pay cut for its workers. Impact has told its 55,000 members there will be no negotiation with the Government over pay cuts, and "did not have, would not get, and will not seek" a mandate for pay cuts from his members.