Civil Servants "Won't Be Pushed Around"

Hundreds of civil servants turned out in the Royal Square this lunchtime to protest against the pay offers from the States.

Prospect's General Secretary, Mike Clancey, made a speech outside the States Building.

He rallied crowds, saying civil servants shouldn't be taken advantage of and need to send a clear message "they won't be pushed around".

They followed Customs & Immigration officials and teaching assistants, who walked out yesterday.

Hundreds of public sector staff have walked out, affecting schools, hospital appointments and other services.

Unions, Unite and JCSA Prospect, say they working on plans for further walkouts.

Protesters said they were striking since the SEB "seem to be ignoring them" and "not taking any notice of them".

Others said although they're not militant union members, they would strike again "to get what they deserve".

Another joked that if strikes continue, the States would be able to put the money they're not paying workers towards future pay awards.

Jersey's Chief Minister says his government will not bow to unions demands over pay.

Senator John Le Fondre's written a full page comment piece in today's Jersey Evening Post.

In it, he says "what is unprecedented is the government's determination not to concede to union demands at the first sign of industrial action".  

He adds the island can't afford to raise pay by increasing the budget deficit or raiding the rainy day fund.

At this lunchtime's protest, Mr Clancey referenced the Chief Minister's article - saying the SEB has been acting on bad advice.

He asked if the government "aren't going to cave in at the first sign of industrial action, what would it take?"