Public sector strike may be difficult to avert at this stage, Minister admits
A planned one-day national strike by 400,000 public sector workers in Ireland appears likely to proceed despite government efforts to negotiate. Officials and union representatives remain at odds over pay increases and the cost-of-living crisis.
Why it matters
The strike threatens to disrupt essential services and highlights significant labor-government tensions regarding public sector compensation.
The one-day national strike by 400,000 public sector employees planned for Wednesday will “probably go ahead at this stage”, a Government Minister has said.
Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless said €1.2 billion has been set aside by Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers for the pay demands.
He also argued the average rate for a public sector worker was “far higher” than that for a private sector worker.
Lawless indicated it might be difficult to avert the action. “I think the strike will probably go ahead at this stage,” he said.
He added he had spoken to public service employees, and believed they did not want to picket on Wednesday.
“What I’d say to the union leadership is, come in and talk. Come to the table,” he said on RTÉ ’s The Week in Politics. “It can still be avoided.”
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