Thousands of public service workers take industrial action in protest at the government pension levy.
13,000 lower paid civil servants belonging to the Civil and Public Services Union (CPSU) protest throughout the country at what they see as an unfair pension levy.
It's not a levy, it's a pay cut.
Protesters outside Dáil Éireann describe how the levy will affect them.
On average, people here will lose about fifty to sixty Euros a week.
Another protester asks,
Why should we carry the can for the whole of society?
Government services throughout the country were affected by the industrial action. However, most politicians at Leinster House passed the picket.
Fine Gael TD Dinny McGinley explains that he is continuing to work for his Donegal constituents. Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore TD says that discussions between the government and trade unions are needed, not strikes.
However, Sinn Féin TDs refused to pass the picket. Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD explains that they are protesting at their own cost stating that they would not be claiming any expenses for days that they did not attend the Dáil.
Blair Horan, General Secretary of the CPSU outlines plans for further protest around the country.
Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for Labour Affairs Billy Kelleher defends the introduction of the levy and explains why the measures were necessary to stave off economic challenges.
We're fighting for the country's economic survival.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 26 February 2009. The reporter is Ingrid Miley.
