Union leaders to decide on possible 300,000‑strong public sector strike

Union leaders are meeting today to decide whether to recommend a further all‑out strike by 300,000 public sector employees within the next ten days.

The public services committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) will receive a briefing on stalled pay talks that collapsed at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) late last Friday after intensive negotiations.

The committee will also vote on a motion to call a strike on 11 November, which could halt schools, hospitals, local authorities and other services. A one‑day stoppage was already held on 14 October by teachers, nurses, doctors and civil servants.

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan, who chairs the ICTU public services committee, said the gap between the Government and unions remains too wide to endorse an agreement. He warned that the Government has not yet put forward a credible offer that could win a ballot of union members.

The WRC released a statement after ten days of talks, noting that certain matters have reached an impasse and requesting that a Government‑appointed group, chaired by Kevin Foley, consider those issues and propose a resolution. The group is expected to meet today.

Government sources indicated anxiety over a strike that would occur 24 hours before Ireland hosts European leaders at the European Political Community meeting and an informal European Council meeting later in the week. Discussions about a three‑and‑a‑half‑year deal have been mentioned, but no decision can be taken until the pay element is resolved.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Aviz Media / Pexels.