Irish public sector workers prepare for potential weeks-long rolling strikes

Trade unions and Irish government officials are holding further talks with an independent body on Wednesday to resolve a long-running public sector pay dispute, the Irish Examiner reported. Public sector staff in key areas could take part in weeks of rolling strike action as unions plan to step up their campaign. [1]

Union members are preparing for a 24-hour national walkout on the same day as a major European Union presidency event, according to the Irish Examiner. Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan said another nationwide one-day strike was unlikely after next week, but various sectoral actions are currently under consideration. [1]

The latest talks follow previous industrial measures taken by public sector staff. As FTMQ News reported earlier, primary school teachers represented by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation began a work-to-rule action on October 5, 2026, by refusing to work additional Croke Park hours. Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers previously criticized planned union strikes as unfair and unreasonable. [4][5]

More than 100,000 public sector workers are involved in the broader pay dispute, as FTMQ News reported earlier. Minister Chambers warned that widespread strike action would lead to school closures and the cancellation of hospital appointments across the country. [4][5]