Ten Cork City councillors walk out in protest over public workers’ pay dispute

Ten Cork City councillors left the monthly council meeting on Monday night in protest against the work‑to‑rule being undertaken by public sector workers over pay.

The councillors exited shortly after 5 pm, saying that remaining would breach union directions because council staff were required to work beyond their normal hours. The meeting, normally started at 5 pm, had been brought forward to 3.30 pm and was scheduled to run until 5.30 pm, half an hour beyond the rostered shift for council employees.

Sinn Féin councillor Kenneth Collins said his party “would not cross a picket line in Cork City Council” and that they “stand fully with public sector workers”. He noted the importance of the council business but said attempts to adjust the timetable to meet union instructions had failed.

Labour’s Peter Horgan added that Labour “stands in solidarity with the work‑to‑rule” and called on the Government to resolve the pay issue promptly.

In total, four Sinn Féin, three Labour, and councillors from the Social Democrats, People Before Profit‑Solidarity and the Workers’ Party departed early. The earlier start meant the meeting was hybrid, with several councillors joining online, but this prevented the usual livestream and required votes to be taken by roll call rather than the electronic system.

The two‑hour limit on Monday’s meeting created tension with Lord Mayor Damian Boylan, who is tasked with keeping council business within the allotted time.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Christian Wasserfallen / Pexels.