Government Asks Unions To Talks As Strikes Loom

Despite the Government inviting the unions back to talks on an Irish economic recovery plan, large parts of the public sector, including schools and health sector facilities, are likely to be affected by widespread planned strikes next week.

All four teaching unions have voted to take part in the action, which is set to lead to the closure of thousands of schools.

Health sector unions are also to take part, although they have stated that essential services will be provided.

Transport services are also likely to be hit after the union, Siptu announced on Sunday that the three State airports at Dublin, Cork and Shannon were likely to be closed on Monday morning as staff had voted to take part in an eight-hour stoppage.

At the same time, services at Dublin Bus, affecting nearly 500,000 passengers, could be hit by a separate dispute from this weekend if management proceeds with plans to implement controversial cost-cutting plans without agreement

The industrial action next Monday is believed to be part of a current campaign targeting 'rogue employers' who refused to either pay the terms of the national agreement or to engage with unions.

With such huge disruption looming, the Government has today written to union leaders asking to "re-engage with other social partners on talks on an economic recovery programme".

The general purposes committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is to meet to consider the Government's letter this afternoon.

The largest Irish union, IMPACT is also meeting today to consider the result of a vote by members - effectively turning down the looming strike.

The vote narrowly failed to approve participation in next Monday's planned national day of industrial action.

Although 65% of those balloted voted in favour of taking part, under the union's own rule 66% support was needed.

(BMcC/JM)