Siptu members vote for strike action over public service pay dispute

Members of the Siptu trade union working in the Irish public service have voted overwhelmingly in favor of industrial action, including strike action, due to an ongoing pay dispute. In a ballot involving workers in health, local government, and State agencies, 98% of members voted for industrial action and 97% voted for strikes.

Siptu deputy general secretary Adrian Kane stated the result reflects “deep and utter frustration” regarding the government’s failure to provide serious proposals on pay and guarantees against outsourcing. The union noted that the previous public service agreement expired in June, and despite being available for months to negotiate a successor, the government has “failed to engage meaningfully.”

The union represents approximately 75,000 members in the public service. Workers expressed concerns that the cost-of-living crisis is eroding wages while public services remain under pressure. Additionally, the union raised concerns regarding the need for worker consultation before the implementation of AI systems in the workplace.