Ireland public-service unions announce strikes for October 14 and 21

Public-service unions in Ireland have announced two one-day strikes scheduled for October 14 and October 21. The industrial action is a response to the lack of progress in negotiations regarding a new national pay agreement for public and civil service workers.

The strikes, supported by major unions including the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), and the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI), are expected to cause widespread closures in most schools. Beyond education, the action is anticipated to disrupt health services, local authorities, and parts of the justice system.

Prior to the planned strikes, unions initiated a work-to-rule campaign. Under these terms, employees strictly adhere to their contracted hours and duties, declining discretionary work such as supervising pupils outside of standard hours or conducting parent-teacher meetings outside of the school day. Union representatives have stated that while they wish to avoid disruption to families, the strikes remain necessary if the government does not engage in meaningful discussions regarding pay commitments.