I regret to have to say that the union's action is contrary to the existing Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and the new Sustaining Progress agreements and cannot be condoned by anybody. These agreements specifically exclude cost-increasing claims over and above the increases provided for under the agreements which have been agreed by the social partners and the Government. The CPSU claim is for more promotional posts, which would obviously involve higher costs for the Department. Moreover, all unions undertook in these agreements not to engage in industrial action in pursuit of claims.