Public sector strike to go ahead after unions reject Government talks offer

Unions demand pay rises as public sector strike looms

The industrial action is expected to close schools and cause disruption to health services nationwide.

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Jack Chambers contacted union representatives on Monday in an attempt to break the deadlock. 

He proposed holding talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Wednesday, the day the strike is due to take place. However, union leaders have decided to proceed with the planned action.

The dispute centres on pay increases that unions say have failed to keep pace with inflation.  They estimate the shortfall at between five and seven per cent and want a settlement that addresses the gap. 

They are also seeking an agreement covering the second half of the year, along with guarantees that rising living costs will not further erode workers’ wages.

Chambers pointed to the €1.2 billion set aside for public sector pay in the Budget, describing it as a “significant” sum. 

He said pay should be a priority in any further discussions, but the proposal did not satisfy union representatives.

Public services brace for disruption

Kevin Callinan, general secretary of Fórsa and chair of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ (Ictu) public services committee, replied less than an hour after receiving the minister’s letter. 

He argued that the offer did not represent a meaningful change in the Government’s position and said officials needed to address the specific pay concerns already raised by unions.

Callinan subsequently made clear that the proposed talks were not enough to postpone Wednesday’s strike. According to the Irish Times, the two sides remain far apart on the terms of a possible agreement.

The walkout is expected to affect public services across the country, with schools set to close and health services facing disruption. 

Primary school teachers have also confirmed plans to strike next month, although their action relates to a separate dispute.

The pay row comes as the Government faces other Budget decisions, including whether to retain the fuel excise cut in Budget 2027.