Fórsa local authority workers to take industrial action

Local authority employees affiliated with the Fórsa trade union have announced industrial action later this month, stemming from delays in reaching a fresh public sector pay agreement. The protest, set to commence on Wednesday, September 30th, will initially involve a work-to-rule, wherein staff will adhere strictly to contract terms and rosters, while simultaneously disengaging from new work practices.

Fórsa National Secretary, Richy Carrothers, expressed frustration with the government's inability to grasp the core issue regarding a new public service pay agreement, stating that the government's failure to address pay concerns at the outset has rendered the industrial action unavoidable.

Earlier, it was reported that primary school teachers, members of the INTO, are also scheduled to initiate industrial action next month due to the same delays in securing a new public sector pay deal. The existing agreement concluded on June 30th, and formal negotiations for a replacement have yet to commence. Public sector unions have criticized the government for failing to make a substantial offer on pay and have announced plans for a strike on October 14th.

The Department of Public Expenditure acknowledged the unions' disappointment but emphasized the importance of both sides returning to the negotiating table to work towards a public service pay agreement. The department stressed that meaningful progress can only be achieved through sustained and constructive engagement from both parties, without preconditions.