Dublin: Public sector workers across Ireland are set to stage a 24-hour strike on Thursday, November 12, after negotiations over a new pay agreement ended without a resolution. Trade unions have also announced plans for a major protest rally in Dublin, alongside demonstrations in towns and cities across the country.
The decision followed a meeting of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) Public Services Committee, where union representatives concluded that the government had yet to present a credible proposal capable of resolving the dispute.
Negotiations over a new public sector pay agreement broke down on Friday night. Union leaders subsequently met to decide on their next course of action.
The industrial action was initially scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, but was later moved to Thursday, November 12.
The strike is due to coincide with the first of two meetings of European leaders taking place in Ireland next week as part of the country’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
More than 300,000 workers took part in last month’s strike
More than 300,000 public sector employees took part in a 24-hour nationwide strike last month after negotiations over a new pay agreement reached an impasse.
The October 14 action involved workers across several sectors, including teachers, nurses and doctors. It was described as the largest one-day nationwide strike in Ireland since the financial crisis of 2008.
A second planned strike was temporarily postponed to allow further negotiations with the government. However, the ongoing work-to-rule action across the public sector remains in place.
Nationwide demonstrations planned
Alongside the 24-hour strike, unions plan to organise a major demonstration in Dublin and smaller protest rallies in different parts of the country.
Union leaders have also indicated that the ongoing work-to-rule action will be intensified following the strike. Further industrial action remains under consideration if the dispute is not resolved.
Despite announcing the strike, the unions have said they remain willing to engage in meaningful discussions. They are also due to meet the government-appointed committee on Thursday in an effort to find a way forward.
Minister describes strike decision as regrettable
Minister Jack Chambers described the unions’ decision to announce further industrial action as extremely regrettable, warning that it would escalate an already difficult situation.
He urged the unions and other parties involved to engage with the government-appointed committee, chaired by Kevin Foley. The committee had previously indicated that it was prepared to assist if negotiations reached a complete deadlock.
Chambers said officials from his department were ready to participate fully in the discussions, with the aim of resolving the dispute as quickly as possible.
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