Public sector staff may join rolling strike ahead of EU summit

Unions have warned that large numbers of public‑sector employees could take part in a weeks‑long rolling strike, as talks continue over pay disputes.

Negotiations between trade unions and Government officials, with an independent body, are set for Wednesday in an effort to resolve the long‑running public‑sector pay dispute.

Initially a 24‑hour national walkout was planned for the same day as a major EU presidency event, but unions moved the strike to Thursday 12 November, coinciding with the European Political Community summit in Dublin, which will host around 50 heads of state and international leaders.

Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan said the Government’s first offer of a 1.75% rise from 1 November, followed by a 6.75% increase and an extra 1% for local bargaining, would be quickly eroded by inflation running at 4.1%.

Callinan added that while another nationwide one‑day strike is unlikely, unions are considering sectoral actions, including rotating stoppages of about 1,000 members per week, and possibly using strike funds to maintain wages for those affected.

He argued a fair deal would require roughly a 7% increase to protect members against inflation and price rises over the proposed 30‑month agreement ending in 2028.

The unions say the change of strike date was driven by logistical reasons rather than targeting the EU event, and they remain determined to continue industrial action beyond the planned strike.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Selim Karadayı / Pexels.