Mother of five supports public sector strike, keeps children home

A mother of five said she was happy to keep her children at home while public sector workers strike, adding that the workers “deserve better”.

About 300,000 public sector workers began a strike today after unions and the Government failed to reach a pay agreement. Unions claim inflation has made the cost of living unbearable, while the Government maintains that public‑sector pay is generous.

Minister Peter Burke stated that any pay deal must be “sustainable” and improve public services. On Lunchtime Live, former nurse Shirley said she “fully agrees” with the strike, describing nurses as “treated very unfairly” and praising their dedication.

The mother of five echoed these sentiments, noting that “everyone is suffering” because of rising living costs and that the recent increase in income‑tax thresholds in the budget is “simply not good enough”. She highlighted mortgage repayments, bills and creche costs, and said she believes the one‑day school closure is justified.

She concluded that nurses, teachers and other public‑sector staff “all deserve better”.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Mico Medel / Pexels.