IBEC: Public sector strikes 'unacceptable'
IBEC have said that the escalation of industrial action by public sector unions is "unacceptable at a time when Ireland’s long term prosperity depends on high-quality, effective and innovative public services".
The director of the group that represents Irish employers, Brendan McGinty, said: "Public sector unions have acknowledged the need for reform of public services. Discussions between the Government and the public sector unions should resume as a matter of urgency.
"We need an agreed programme of reform, which is supported by the public service, rather than a war of attrition and the deliberate disruption of public services. This will simply end up damaging the most vulnerable in our society and imposing further hardship on those who are not fortunate enough to have a job.
"Public service managers are dealing with extremely challenging circumstances in their efforts to maintain services given current budgetary constraints. An urgent change in work practices is required if this is to be achieved.
"These are extraordinary times; 434,000 people in the economy are either without a job or are underemployed. Old solutions and old style industrial action will not make one Irish person better off or their job more secure. We need to work together so that we restore our own confidence, and international confidence, in our country.
"The cost and competitive pressures facing businesses and exporters are a major concern and it is critical that the public service play its full part in this national recovery effort. The country would be better served if we could all agree on a shared vision that puts jobs first. This must focus on reducing costs, improving competitiveness and ensuring that we restore balance to the public finances."
