NURSES, GARDAÍ AND firefighters are set to step up their campaign to oppose Croke Park 2.
The organisation representing frontline workers says the deal currently on the table will result in pay cuts of between 3 and 11 per cent for many workers, and are calling for it to be rejected.
The 24/7 Frontline Service Alliance is organising nine ’town hall’ meetings around the country over the next fortnight and is urging public sector employees to turn up. More than 3,000 workers attended a rally at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght in February in an unexpectedly large show of strength against the Croke Park deal.
“The rally at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght last month illustrated the mood of defiance,” a spokesperson for the 24/7 Alliance said this afternoon. “The regional meetings will give voice locally to that anger”.
The meetings are being organised by an alliance of the CPSU, IMO, INMO and Unite.
The Alliance says public sector workers will be hit with longer working hours, reduced overtime pay and the elimination of certain payments under the pay deal.
A review carried out by an independent consultant actuarial firm for the group gave specific details on how much frontline workers stood to lose, estimating the following cuts in salaries for public sector workers under Croke Park 2:
“The rolling out of regional meetings across the country will provide opportunities for all those affected by Croke Park II to be briefed on issues impacting them and allow them to voice their anger,” said the spokesperson. “These meetings are open to everybody, particularly members of unions promoting a Yes vote”.
The next regional meeting will take place in Letterkenny on Tuesday night with other meetings taking place in towns and cities including Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Waterford and Portlaoise.
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