Industrial action begins today for thousands of workers. Who is on strike?

Over 100,000 workers in the public sector begin industrial action today in a row over pay.

This is due to a dispute over public service pay and cost-of-living protections following the expiration of the 2024–2026 national agreement.

The public sector unions including people like the INMO, Siptu and Fórsa have agreed on the terms.

Following a ballot of all Fórsa members working in the Civil and Public service members, in which over 96% voted in favour of taking industrial action, up to and including strike action, "the National Executive Committee (NEC) authorised industrial action in all divisions from Wednesday 30th September on a continuous basis."

All public sector unions are also planning two one day strikes, due to take place on Wednesday 14th October and Wednesday 21st October.

Who is taking part?

For the avoidance of doubt, these people will still be in work, but working only set contracted hours.

Some nurses and midwives. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) members in the public health service will perform only duties and responsibilities necessary for safe patient care during their rostered hours.

"INMO members will not work any additional unpaid hours," the union said.

"They will not attend non-clinical meetings, except where attendance is strictly necessary for direct patient care," the INMO added.

At 30 different hospitals, other staff including nurses, porters, cleaners, catering workers and clerical, administrative, health and social-care professionals and some management grades will withdraw overtime.

Special needs assistants will also work-to-rule. Which means refusing to cooperate with the Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan. This will include: withdrawing goodwill – will not assist with extra-curricular activities such as with clubs, tours or open days. They will also refuse to attend training and student planning meetings

Local authority employees will refuse to do additional work outside of their normal duties.

The Department of Public Expenditure said unions are undertaking industrial action rather than engaging.

"It is deeply unfair on the general public for there to be significant disruption to their daily lives because unions are unwilling to sit down and engage constructively on a new agreement," a spokesperson said.

"Officials remain ready and willing to engage and that should happen without any further delay.

"Meaningful progress can only be achieved where both parties are open to constructive and sustained engagement, without preconditions on either side."