Public sector unions suspend planned strike after new talks

Unions representing public sector workers have suspended the strike that was due to take place on 21 October following fresh talks with the Government.

The 19 unions affiliated to the ICTU Public Services Committee agreed to pause the action after the Government appointed an independent third party, Kevin Foley, to help establish a basis for formal negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

Mr Kevin Foley, Chairperson of the WRC, will work with Ms Oonagh Buckley and Mr Owen Reidy to undertake a focussed and intensive exercise with the parties.

The decision follows last Wednesday’s 24‑hour strike by more than 300,000 public servants, which caused widespread disruption to schools, hospitals and other services. Work‑to‑rule action will continue while the new process gets under way.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the initiative “will allow for all sides to move forward together into meaningful negotiation and ultimately to a successful conclusion”, adding that public service workers are “the backbone of our healthcare, social care, education and so many other sectors”.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Daniel Wells / Pexels.