Trade unions warn Irish public servants against remote work during strike

Trade unions have warned public servants that there is no loophole allowing them to work from home during a planned strike on Wednesday. The Irish Examiner reported that union representatives issued the warning after suggestions emerged that public employees might work remotely during the industrial action. [1]

According to the Irish Examiner, trade union Fórsa stated that any member who logs into a work laptop from home to reply to an email or answer a telephone call will be viewed as crossing picket lines. A trade union organiser for Siptu also reported hearing that education staff were asked to make up lost work, deliver online classes, or press junior colleagues to fulfill duties on behalf of striking workers. Members of the Irish Federation of University Teachers from Trinity College Dublin have also prepared for industrial action, the Irish Examiner reported. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, the Irish government invited trade unions to Workplace Relations Commission talks on Tuesday in an effort to avert the strike. Public expenditure minister Jack Chambers urged unions to postpone Wednesday's action, which is expected to involve doctors, nurses, teachers, and more than 100,000 public sector employees. [6][7]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, the Dáil cancelled its planned Wednesday sitting because unions refused to grant Leinster House staff an exemption to work during the action. Opposition political parties stated they would not cross the picket lines outside Leinster House. The strike is expected to disrupt hospitals, schools, and public services across Ireland. [6][7]