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2009

Strong Frontline Alliance support for the public service strike

Date Released: 24 Nov 2009

There was a massive turnout by 24/7 Frontline Services Alliance members during today’s strike against further unilateral cuts in pay, conditions and services by the Government. Members of the Garda representative bodies, who are not allowed to take industrial action, demonstrated their support for the action by not carrying out a number of discretionary activities.

The Alliance Chairperson, Des Kavanagh of the Psychiatric Nurses Association, said, “The day of action has gone very well and energised our members for the next phase of the campaign. In some locations, such as Portlaoise, we had situations where nurses, prison officers and HSE staff were all on the picket lines together.

“We have also shown the Government that we fully support the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in its opposition to further cuts in public sector pay, including allowances and premium payments. When the negotiations resume tomorrow we will be reviving our own meetings to monitor them and ensure the interests of Frontline workers are protected.”

The General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association P J Stone said that, “The public appeared to be delighted with our stance on the non-necessity to issue fixed penalty notices and would appear to be ready to welcome more of the same”. The General Secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors Joe Dirwan said, “Gardaí have paid a total of €40.5 million through the Pensions Levy; €14 million in the Income Levy, €142 million in Income Tax and €40.5 million in PRSI so far this year. These figures do not include the usual contributions to their pensions.

“Enough is enough and we fully support the aims of the one-day strike in defence of people’s pay and conditions. The Fairer, Better Way outlined by Congress is indeed the only way.”

Irish Nurses Organisation Deputy General Secretary David Hughes said the pickets were “very successful and very enthusiastic. Our members were asking not if we should go out again but when.” SIPTU Nursing Official Louise O’Reilly said the turnout could only be ignored at their peril by the Government and the Prison Officers’ Association General Secretary John Clinton, said that members were more than willing to escalate their action for the second stoppage.





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