Thousands of people are expected to join a mass protest in Dublin tomorrow against the Government’s approach to the economic crisis.
The march from Parnell Square to Dáil Éireann has been organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu).
A range of unions, including Siptu, Unite, Impact, the INTO, the TUI, the NUJ and the AGSI have called on their members to attend.
The association representing the Defence Forces, Pdforra, said members of its national executive would be at the march, saying it was satisfied that attendance would not be contrary to military regulations. Under the defence Acts, special rules are in place that restrict Pdforra's ability to engage in public demonstrations under certain circumstances.
Ictu says the march is the beginning of a campaign of action for what it says is a fairer approach to economic recovery
Ictu has published a 10-point plan in which it sets out its proposals for recovery. Among the measures outlined are the introduction of a 48 per cent tax band for those with higher incomes and a new property tax on second homes. It also calls for the abolition of tax shelters.
Ictu general secretary David Begg it would be up to individual unions on whether to ballot members in relation to industrial action.
Several unions have already begun moves towards industrial action. Trade union Unite said yesterday that the 400 craft workers it represents in the local authority and health sectors had supported a motion to ballot for industrial action in protest at the Government’s new pension levy.
About 13,000 members of the Civil Public and Services Union, which represents lower-paid civil servants, have already voted in favour of industrial action. They are to hold a one-day strike next Thursday. A CPSU demonstration outside Government Buildings was attended by 4,000 CPSU members earlier this week .
Some 10,000 members of the Public Service Executive Union, which represents mid-ranking civil servants, are currently balloting on industrial action.
The Psychiatric Nurses Association said today it would ballot its members for industrial action, up to and including strike action. The association called on other unions representing HSE staff to hold a similar ballot.
"The PNA supports the current Ictu campaign but we believe a more concerted, focussed and widespread public service action will be needed to force a Government rethink,” PNA general secretary Des Kavanagh said.