FORSA says strike date not chosen for EU Presidency clash

FORSA has denied that the timing of its upcoming public‑sector strike was selected to coincide with an EU Presidency event.

Reason for date change

General Secretary Kevin Callinan told The Claire Byrne Show that the strike was originally slated for Wednesday, 11 November, but affiliate unions – particularly in the education sector – raised concerns about the impact on job‑share arrangements and school activities on a Wednesday.

Because of those concerns, the union considered moving the strike to Thursday, 12 November. Callinan said the decision was not a strategic move to coincide with the Irish Presidency of the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Dublin, but simply a choice between two days.

He acknowledged that the timing may be perceived as strategic and accepted that interpretation, adding that the strike aims to deliver a peaceful message to the government.

In addition to the strike, FORSA plans rallies across the country, with the largest demonstration scheduled in Dublin.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Oriel Frankie Ashcroft / Pexels.