Public sector craft workers to take industrial action
Craft workers in the public sector, who provide services in areas such as electrical and plumbing, are to take industrial action later this month in a dispute over pay.
Public sector craft workers, including those in electrical and plumbing services, are set to engage in industrial action later in the month over pay disparities, according to the Public Sector Craft Group of Unions (PSCGOU). The unions, comprising Connect, Unite, SIPTU, BATU, and OPTASI, represent these workers and have found that public sector craft workers earn, on average, €4.40 less per hour than their private sector counterparts.
A recent independent review supported this claim, which led to a vote by PSCGOU members favoring industrial action, potentially including strikes. The timing and specifics of the action will be decided by the PSCGOU National Strike Committee, possibly starting as early as September 28th. The unions have exhausted all other avenues for resolution, leaving their members with no choice but to take action to protect their living standards.
The Department of Public Expenditure confirmed that both sides have previously discussed this issue, and the Local Bargaining mechanism established under the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 remains an option for addressing wage claims. Management has reiterated their willingness to engage in Local Bargaining to resolve the wage dispute.
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