Public sector unions reject 6.75% pay offer, call 24‑hour strike on 12 November

The government’s 6.75% pay increase proposal over three years has been rejected by public sector unions, and talks have broken down, prompting a 24‑hour shutdown on 12 November.

Union leaders say the offer is well below inflation and does not meet the cost‑of‑living pressures facing members. Linda Kelly, general secretary of the ASTI, told Newstalk Breakfast that the narrative of a “performative” strike is misleading and that the talks have reached a “significant impasse”. She described the offer as “paltry” and said the unions need “more”.

The strike will involve roughly 100,000 public‑service workers, with the same groups participating as in previous actions. Ella Anderson of Newstalk noted that a few additional sectors may receive derogations, but the overall impact will remain similar.

Unions are also considering escalating to work‑to‑rule measures and further strike days after 12 November, although no dates have been set.

The stoppage coincides with a major EU Presidency event in Dublin, where delegates and leaders from across Europe will gather.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Picography / Pexels.