Ireland public sector strike expected to disrupt Dáil and services

More than 100,000 public sector workers in Ireland are set to participate in a nationwide strike on Wednesday over pay disputes and the cost of living crisis. Unions, including Fórsa and the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants (AHCPS), have refused requests for derogations to allow key staff to remain on duty, which may lead to the closure of Leinster House.

Due to the expected lack of staff, the government has proposed moving Dáil business, including scheduled votes, to Tuesday. The industrial action follows the expiration of the Public Service Agreement in June. Unions argue that public sector wages have fallen 5.5% behind inflation between 2021 and 2025, and they are seeking pay increases to address declining living standards.

The strike is expected to cause significant disruption, with schools set to close and hospitals warning of impacts on non-urgent services. Some opposition parties have indicated they will not cross picket lines, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin has declined to state whether he would cross a picket line outside the Oireachtas.