A DAY of demonstration organised by the trade unions against the Government’s proposals for tackling the recession will be held on Saturday, February 21st in Dublin. The date and venue was decided yesterday by the Irish Congress of Trade Union’s executive council, having been proposed by the public service unions affiliated to congress.
Ictu general secretary David Begg said the decision was taken to concentrate resources and attention on one major demonstration in Dublin, which will begin at 2pm from Parnell Square.
It is likely to be similar to the mass demonstrations during the Irish Ferries dispute in 2005.
Other protests will be held at later dates throughout the country.
Congress said the protest will not be just about the recent pension levy, which will be imposed on public servants, but will focus on Ictu’s belief that the Government reneged on the framework agreement agreed between the Government and the social partners in January to find a way forward on implementing €2 billion worth of public spending cuts.
Congress has published an alternative 10-point plan for national recovery, “There is a Better, Fairer Way”. It sets out a series of proposals, including a 48 per cent rate of tax on highest earners, a levy on second homes or trophy homes, and a national recovery bond.
In a full-page advertisement in today's Irish Times, trade union Impact has described the public service levy as a "vicious and cynical decision to target ordinary working people". It said the levy amounted to a "bounty on the heads of public service workers on low and middle income – workers who have been stereotyped and demonised because the Government needs an easy target".
The Teachers Union of Ireland will meet on Monday to decide on a course of action.
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