The Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, representing 215,000 workers, has met to discuss the potential crisis facing the NI economy.
Speaking after the meeting, ICTU Assistant General Secretary, Peter Bunting said:
"After weeks of a blaming NI's economic crisis on welfare reform, our politicians have now woken up to reality. As the trade unions have consistently argued, the basis of the crisis is four years of Westminster-enforced austerity.
"We have been told that this is only the start. Northern Ireland is facing years of austerity, of welfare reform, of privatisation, of service reductions and job cuts, while most political parties still seriously advocate a massive further tax cut for big businesses.
'the economy of Northern Ireland, its society and its people cannot take the added pressures of austerity on demand from Westminster. We do not accept that there is no option but to accept this status quo. Politics should mean that voters are offered a meaningful choice, and adequate representation.
"Northern Ireland is facing a bleak economic future for its working poor, its NEETs, and everyone who needs first class public services. Based on the information we have received, this is what is being proposed for at least another five years.
'the trade unions are escalating our campaign of opposition to austerity and appeasing the wealthy and will be consulting with our members to ensure a cohesive and determined response from our movement."
