Irish government unveils new attack on workers
The Irish government today launched its latest attack on workers.
The European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this week decided on a multi-billion bank bailout for the country.
The poor and the vulnerable—already smarting from years of cuts—will be hammered further to pay for it.
The attacks include cutting social welfare by £2.5 billion, reducing the public sector pay bill by £1 billion and increasing VAT by 2 percent.
The four-year plan will slash the the living standards of the people of Ireland.
The budget roadmap includes:
The minimum wage will be cut by one euro
VAT will increase 1 percent to 22 percent in 2013 and to 23 percent in 2014
Corporation tax will remain uncut – at just 12.5 percent
Public sector workforce to be cut by 24,750
Student fees will increase
Bringing in a charge for water
A protest organised by People Before Profit in Dublin forced the plush Merrion Hotel in Dublin, where the IMF delegation is staying, to close its doors after protesters gathered outside chanting anti-IMF slogans.
A massive demonstration is expected on Saturday against the cuts.
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