SIPTU, Ireland’s largest trade union, has confirmed it is consulting over 80,000 public sector workers regarding potential industrial action. The move follows the expiration of the national public service pay deal at the end of June and a subsequent impasse in negotiations with the Irish Government.
The union stated that its members are increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress toward a new agreement, citing the ongoing cost-of-living crisis as a primary driver for their demands. SIPTU leadership confirmed that while formal consultations are underway, the union is preparing to ballot members on whether they are willing to take strike action should talks remain stalled.
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris addressed the situation on Monday, maintaining that the Government remains willing to engage in formal negotiations. However, Harris emphasized that any resulting agreement must be fiscally sustainable. “The Government is prepared to negotiate, but any deal would not come at any cost,” Harris stated, highlighting the challenge of balancing union demands with budgetary constraints.
While no dates for industrial action have been scheduled, a successful vote in favor of strikes would significantly increase the risk of widespread disruption across essential public services in the coming months. Both parties remain under pressure to reach a resolution to avoid the potential logistical and political fallout of a major public sector shutdown.