Frontline unions begin preparations for strike ballots
Four unions representing nurses, prison officers and fire-fighters are due to begin preparations for ballots on industrial action today.
The unions are members of the Frontline Services Alliance set up to oppose the cuts being introduced by the Government to address the massive deficit in the public finances.
Yesterday, they announced plans to ballot their members on industrial action up to and including strike action if the Fianna Fáil-Green Party coalition imposes further cuts in pay and services.
The two garda unions attached to the alliance are not allowed to take industrial action, but they say there are other measures they can take as part of the campaign against the coalition's budgetary policies.
The Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance have repeatedly indicated that they plan to introduce further cuts in public-sector pay in this December's Budget.
