Irish public service pay dispute and industrial action

Public service workers in Ireland are preparing for industrial action following a breakdown in pay negotiations. After the previous public service agreement expired in June, unions have expressed frustration with the government’s perceived failure to engage in meaningful negotiations for a successor deal.

In late August, Siptu members representing approximately 75,000 workers in health, local government, and State agencies voted overwhelmingly for strike action. Siptu deputy general secretary Adrian Kane noted the vote reflects “deep and utter frustration” regarding pay proposals and guarantees against outsourcing. The union also raised concerns about the cost-of-living crisis and the implementation of AI in the workplace.

By early September, the movement expanded within the healthcare sector. Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) voted by more than 99 per cent in favor of industrial action, citing financial pressures from rising costs for fuel, rent, and childcare. Additionally, Siptu members representing over 42,000 healthcare workers announced a work-to-rule scheduled for 30 September across 30 hospitals.

In mid-September, the scale of the potential disruption grew as Fórsa, the state’s largest public sector union, indicated that strikes could begin by the end of the month. General secretary Kevin Callinan described the situation as a “very long dispute” that could have “very serious effects right across the public sector.”

Siptu confirmed that members in local authorities and state agencies will proceed with industrial action on 30 September. This will involve a work-to-rule and the withdrawal of workplace goodwill, with members strictly adhering to contractual obligations and ceasing cooperation with non-statutory initiatives. The union cited a lack of progress regarding pay, living costs, and recruitment.