Unite calls for national strike

The Unite trade union has proposed a general strike in opposition to the Government’s economic programme and in support of an…

The Unite trade union has proposed a general strike in opposition to the Government’s economic programme and in support of an alternative strategy.

The union has also proposed a campaign of civil disobedience including the non-payment of any water or property taxes introduced in the forthcoming budget.

Irish regional secretary Jimmy Kelly said the union would be putting its proposals for national strike to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in the weeks ahead.

Mr Kelly comments came as Unite published what it descried as a viable alternative budgetary strategy.

It said it would be aimed at reducing the budget deficit by encouraging growth and getting people back to work.

The strategy calls for investment of over €15 billion over the next four years from cash assets held by the State. It also includes proposals to end what it described as "regressive tax incentives" and to increase taxes initially on high earning groups,

It said efficiencies from the generation from the provision of public services should be reinvested into the economy.

Unite represents about 60,000 workers in Ireland.