Rabbitte 'doesn't anticipate' long term public sector strike action

on 09/03/2013 13:04:39

The Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte says he doesn't anticipate long term strike action by public sector workers over planned pay cuts under the new Croke Park deal.

His comments come after IMPACT trade union's warning of protracted industrial action should the cutbacks go ahead as planned.

Earlier this week, Garda HQ warned the garda unions that their protests against reductions to their pay could be illegal.

Minister Rabbitte says he sympathises with gardaí in difficulty but the government had no option but to introduce the cuts.

"The gardaí have a tough job to do in our society and some are hurting more than others. It is difficult but the fact of the matter is that if there is an easier way, the government would jump at it," he said.

"But there isn't an easier way, that is the difficulty."