The chairman of the public services committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) has said there appears to be “no prospect” of averting a one-day strike later this month.
The strike is scheduled to take place on November 24th.
Speaking this afternoon Peter McLoone, said the unions and Government were now on a "trajectory to conflict" and it would take a huge effort to change that situation in the days ahead.
Mr McLoone briefed the committee today on the progress made in talks with Government officials over the last week on plans to reduce the public sector pay bill.
He said unions had not yet received details of the Government's plans for transforming public services in the years ahead or its menu of option for cutting the wage bill by €1.3 billion next year
He suggested this material may be available later this week.
Mr McLoone said the Government needed to provide clarity on its plans for the public service. It needs to set out in "detailed and clear terms" how it would affect individual workers as well as the provision of services themselves.
Meanwhile, the group set up to oppose cuts in the public service met this afternoon to finalise its plans for a protest march in Dublin tomorrow. At least 1,000 people are expected to take part.
The 24/7 Frontline Services Alliance – composed of six unions and staff associations – also reviewed progress on talks between the Ictu and the Government.
The alliance said the march was not intended to affect the delivery of frontline services in any way. Participants will include gardaí, nurses, prison officers and members of the Siptu trade uion. They will march in uniform where possible.
The alliance says the workers deliver emergency and other vital services to the public, often at considerable risk to themselves. It says it is committed to protecting its members’ interests, and the services they provide to the public.
