Strike will 'absolutely' go ahead next week, say public sector union leaders

Deputy general secretary of Siptu Adrian Kane, Forsa general secretary Kevin Callinan,INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha, and Irish National Teachers' Organisation general secretary John Boyle. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

    Public sector trade union leaders have said another strike will “absolutely” go ahead next week.

Behind-the-scenes efforts are continuing to avert further widespread disruption next Wednesday, with minister Helen McEntee suggesting the Government is prepared to offer an "above-inflation pay rise" to public sector workers.

Public expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said he hoped to “shortly” provide further details on a negotiation framework, insisting that the Government is “ready” to start negotiations.

“I hope to be able to provide further details shortly as part of an agreed way forward,” Mr Chambers said.

But last night, Fórsa trade union chief Kevin Callinan said strike action next week will “absolutely” go ahead.