Public sector workers urged to call off work-to-rule
Environment Minister John Gormley has said a work-to-rule by public sector workers is "not the way forward".
Some 300,000 union members are expected to take part in the action against pay cuts in the sector, beginning this morning.
Teachers, nurses and other members of IMPACT and the Craft Group of unions are among those taking part.
The head of the Labour Relations Commission Kieran Mulvey has indicated the facility is ready to step in to try and resolve the row.
Minister Gormley this morning appealed to unions to call of their action.
"It was a very difficult Budget for people in the public sector, I understand that," the Green Party leader said.
"But going on strike or a work-to-rule at this stage is not the way forward."
General Secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation Liam Doran however said his union's members are feeling the effects of the Budget cuts.
"This week public servants are receiving their cheques after the second pay cut in eight months imposed on them by this Government," Mr Doran said.
"I think a person on €30k is €320 worse off per month, for somebody on €40k it's over €400 per month...
"These people have been hit very hard."
