Describing the attacks on workers as irresponsible, Marie Butler SIPTU Branch Organiser in Waterford, said that the attempt to drive a wedge between public and private sector workers was “irresponsible” and is being done to create a smokescreen to hide the Government's rich and famous friends.

“It is an insult to workers everywhere that a Government minister such as Mary Hanafin believes that the public sector pension levy is okay, because private sector workers are losing their jobs.

“What the Government didn't say was that taking €1.4 billion out the pay packets of public sector workers is going to put even more private sector workers out of jobs, because there will be less money being spent in the local economy.

“Workers are not stupid. We know when we are being used to drive a cost cutting agenda for the rich and famous. The rich and famous, who have squandered our wealth and put our livelihoods in jeopardy, are the real villains in this saga, not workers on decent pay and conditions who pay their taxes, struggle to meet mortgage repayments and their other daily living expenses.

“It is time for the rich and famous in our society to support workers when we have to stand up for ourselves, rather than run us dow, and its time for the selfish rich and famous to pay up!