NEXT Wednesday’s planned public sector strikes have been suspended following discussions between trade union representatives and the government.
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.
The decision to suspend next Wednesday’s planned action follows discussions involving 19 trade unions affiliated with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).
Following the discussions, Kevin Foley, Chairperson of the Workplace Relations Commission, Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, and Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, have been appointed to undertake an intensive process aimed at paving the way for formal negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Fórsa has said that the process will involve “one trade union and one employer nominee”, with negotiations potentially beginning “as soon as tomorrow”.
The union also stressed that it is crucial the government now “show that they have listened” to the concerns raised by public sector workers.
While the strike action on Wednesday has been suspended, work-to-rule action will continue.
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, welcomed the development, saying, “I believe there is now a real opportunity to make progress with both parties coming together to explore the issues that have been raised.”
He added that he was “confident there is a genuine commitment to dialogue,” expressing hope that the initiative would allow both sides to move towards meaningful negotiations.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also expressed hope that the discussions would lead to a resolution, saying: “I hope that this initiative we are taking today will allow for all sides to move forward together into meaningful negotiation and ultimately to a successful conclusion.”
Highlighting the importance of public service workers, Mr Martin said, “They are the backbone of our healthcare, social care, education and so many other sectors.”
The suspension of next Wednesday’s planned industrial action marks a step towards further engagement between the government and trade unions. The proposed process is intended to establish a basis for formal negotiations, with both sides now having an opportunity to work towards a resolution.