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.

Irish air traffic controllers strike to defend suspended colleagues

Irish air traffic controllers struck for four hours on Wednesday, leading to the cancellation of more than100 flights at the country’s three main airports, Dublin, Shannon and Cork.

Aer Lingus was forced to cancel 64 flights affecting 7,000 passengers and Ryanair cancelled 48 flights, with more than 6,000 passengers affected.

The strike was called by the IMPACT trade union against the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), following the suspension of 15 controllers who had refused to participate in “disputed new work practices.”