Strike Threat Ultimatum By Unions

The Government has been given an ultimatum - agree to a fresh round of pay talks within a week or face tens of thousands of public sector workers being balloted for strike action.

SIPTU says the Public Expenditure Minister has seven days to issue the invitation to talks which must begin before February. Union President Jack O'Connor says if it doesn't happen then 60,000 members will be asked if they want to strike.