Unions announce plans to strike next Thursday.
ANOTHER day of the nationwide public sector strikes has been announced for Thursday, November 12.
Unions plan to continue their strikes after ongoing delays in agreeing a new pay deal.
More than 300,000 public sector workers, including teachers, nurses and civil servants, took part in industrial action on Wednesday, October 14, in what was the largest strike in nearly two decades.
Ireland’s largest public sector union, Fórsa, have stated, “The Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said the Government has yet to make a credible offer to resolve the current dispute.”
“Public service unions remain available for discussions and will meet the Government Appointed Group tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd November.”
On Friday, talks on a public sector pay deal were adjourned without agreement. Leaders of the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions then met today to discuss their response, during which it was revealed that the government has yet to make a credible offer to resolve the current dispute.
“There was a lot of anger in that room that quickly turned to quiet determination,” reported Chair of ICTU’s Public Services Committee, Kevin Callinan.
According to Fórsa, the unions are prepared to extend industrial action past November 12.
View this post on Instagram
“Unions will also discuss intensifying the current work-to-rule action and further industrial action beyond 12th November, as arrangements for the rallies continue.”
Mr Callinan continued, “We now find that they haven’t responded sufficiently in relation to the cost of living.”
“They simply haven’t stepped up to the mark on things like local bargaining and other related matters including the position of low-paid workers.”
Next week’s strike will coincide with the first of two meetings of European leaders. As such, more than 50 heads of government will arrive in Dublin for the European Political Community summit.
A rally will also be held in Dublin, alongside regional rallies, to mark strike action and bring members together in support of a resolution.
The second day of strikes was originally organised for Wednesday, October 21, but was suspended following discussions between the government and 19 trade unions affiliated with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).
“We don’t believe that there’s a credible position on the table, but let’s see if the government-appointed group, through their intervention, can make a difference now,” Mr Callinan added.