Irish healthcare workers vote for industrial action over pay

Healthcare workers in Ireland are preparing for industrial action following overwhelming votes in favor of strikes or work-to-rule measures. The movement is driven by dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in negotiating a new public sector pay agreement after the previous deal expired in June.

Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) voted by more than 99 per cent in favor of industrial action. INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha cited rising costs for fuel, rent, and childcare, noting that staff are facing significant financial pressure. The union also highlighted concerns regarding overcrowding, understaffing, and the impact of inadequate funding on patient and staff safety.

Additionally, the Siptu trade union, which represents over 42,000 healthcare workers, has announced that members in 30 hospitals will engage in a work-to-rule on 30 September. This action will involve withdrawing from voluntary additional labor, such as non-rostered overtime, while continuing to perform normal rostered duties. Siptu members will join Fórsa union members in these efforts to demand that the Government engage in a proper negotiating process with the ICTU Public Services Committee.