The reality of life as a civil servant has been made clear by many of those interviewed at the Civil and Public Service Union conference. Far from what has been painted by hostile right wing commentators, following a series of assaults on public sector pay, earnings of around €400 a week are commonplace. With that, many have to support children, an unemployed partner and pay a mortgage.

The various threats by the government against these workers and their union must be withdrawn. The threat to interfere with workers on union business and the incredible suggestion that payroll deduction of union subs would be ended are outrageous and designed to permanently damage trade union organisation in the public service. The trade union movement should escalate action against the attacks on pay and conditions and prepare for serious struggle against any attack on their members’ rights to proper union representation.

The attacks on the wages of public sector workers are being implemented to pave the way for further attacks on the pay of private sector workers, in an attempt to drive wages down across the economy. This deflationary policy of the government and big business will worsen the effects of the crisis by reducing demand and increasing the burden of the enormous debt around the necks of workers and the state, as well as leading to poverty conditions for many.

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