Public sector workers begin work-to-rule in Ireland

Public sector workers, members of several trade unions, began a work-to-rule on January 25 in Ireland. The action was taken after the Irish government announced pay cuts for state employees.

The workers are employed across a number of sectors, including the civil service, health, education and local authorities. Deputy Prime Minister Mary Coughlan refused to give an assurance that a further, third, public sector pay cut would not be imposed.

The following day Civil Public and Services Union General Secretary Blair Horan announced that members of the union would step up industrial action.