SIPTU votes for public sector strike action over pay
SIPTU members in the public sector have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, up to and including strike action.
SIPTU, the Irish labour union, has seen a decisive vote from its public sector members to engage in industrial action, including strikes. The decision, with 97% of members supporting strike action and 98% backing industrial action, stems from the union's discontent with the government's lack of a serious pay proposal and guarantees against outsourcing.
The previous public sector pay deal concluded on June 30th, and no formal talks have commenced on a new agreement. Other public sector unions, such as Unite and the Prison Officers Association, have also announced plans for industrial action. Fórsa, the largest public sector union, will soon reveal its own results. ASTI, an association of secondary teachers, is also planning to ballot its members on industrial action.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Adrian Kane criticized the government for its inaction in negotiating a new pay deal, expressing that SIATU will consult with other unions once its ballot is complete. Together, they aim to compel the government to enter meaningful negotiations. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers dismissed the union's threat of industrial action as unnecessary, asserting the government's willingness to reach an agreement through engagement.
The Department of Public Expenditure stated it remains open to discussions with unions on all issues.
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