Government renews calls for unions to enter talks ‘immediately’ ahead of planned strike
The Irish government is urging trade unions to enter pay negotiations immediately to avoid widespread public-sector strikes. Unions have dismissed the government's latest efforts as insufficient, citing the rising cost of living as a primary driver for the industrial action.
Why it matters
The dispute threatens significant disruption to public services and highlights ongoing tensions between labor unions and government fiscal policy.
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has said pay can be discussed as a priority with trade unions ahead of Wednesday’s strike action.
“Pay can be discussed as a priority. I’m very clear that this is going to cause massive disruption to the public tomorrow,” he said on RTÉ’s Prime Time.
When host Miriam O’Callaghan asked him if pay could be a starting point in talks, he replied: “Absolutely.”
When it was put to him that rising costs meant workers “cannot afford to live”, Chambers pointed to tax reductions and additional funds for childcare and disability in Budget 2027 .
He also criticised trade unions for going ahead with the strike. “The fact they’re not willing to negotiate … not willing to engage, is regrettable and disappointing. I’d ask them to think of the public disruption.”
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