THE ASSOCIATION OF Higher Civil and Public Servants (AHCPS) have called on its 2,700 members to ‘vote no’ to the Croke Park II proposals.

AHCPS General Secretary Dave Thomas said the proposals were “unfair” and “disproportionate” and a no vote would send a message to government:

Our members are essentially being asked to bear the brunt of these cuts – on top of successive cuts and levies in recent years. Meanwhile the government resolutely refuses to engage on the broader matter of equitable taxation, something that would allow for a much fairer approach.

Public sector trade unions are at odds over how they are advising members to vote  on the proposed extension to the Croke Park agreement.

The 24/7 Frontline Service Alliance says the deal will result in pay cuts of between 3 and 11 per cent for many workers, and are calling for it to be rejected. However, SIPTU, the union representing more than 200,000 members,  said that the proposals on the table were “the best that could be obtained through negotiation” and are urging for a ‘yes’ vote.

Meanwhile, the Garda Representative Association says the deal now being voted on by the trade union movement is “blatantly unfair” and have questioned the Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s judgement for allowing it to be put on the table.

The deal being proposed aims to achieve the entire €1 billion in savings sought by the government over the three-year period by increasing working hours, cutting overtime rates, cuts to pensions, sliding pay cuts for workers earning above €65,000 a year and reducing the Sunday pay rate.

Read: Frontline workers ramp up campaign against Croke Park 2 >

More: Four unions launch joint No campaign to Croke Park 2 >

Read: GRA protest at the Dáil over cuts to pay >

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More