Members from all six divisions of Fórsa began work to rule industrial action on Wednesday, in the fight for a better deal on public service pay and the cost of living.
Fórsa members working across local and municipal authorities, health and welfare services, education, Government departments and State agencies are working strictly to contract, withdrawing cooperation with new work practices and refusing to undertake duties outside their grade or agreed responsibilities.
The Fórsa action is part of a wider coordinated response by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). SIPTU, and the INMO also began industrial action this week, while the INTO and the ASTI will start their action on Monday 5th October. Most public service unions are now moving towards industrial action in the coming days.
Fórsa general secretary, and chair of ICTU’s Public Services Committee, Kevin Callinan, commented: “The last public service pay agreement expired at the end of June. Attempts to engage on a successor agreement came to nothing because of the Government’s steadfast refusal to address cost-of-living pressures at the outset.
“That refusal made this industrial action inevitable. Our members have been clear that their living standards must be protected, and the absence of any credible engagement on this issue has led directly to this industrial action.
“The Minister for Public Expenditure has variously described union ballots as ‘unnecessary’ and any industrial action as ‘unfair’, but it is the Minister’s own refusal to discuss pay measures that has made industrial action unavoidable,” he said.
In a letter to Minister Jack Chambers issued on Thursday evening, the officers of the PSC made it clear that unions are determined to fulfil the mandate given to them by members.
They wrote: “Our sense of urgency reflects the daily experience of hundreds of thousands of public service workers who continue to face sustained pressure from rising prices.”
“Public service workers, like many others across the economy, have seen their incomes fall behind prices in recent years and have been facing renewed pressure in 2026. That is the practical reality underpinning this dispute.”
In a letter to members issued on Thursday, Kevin confirmed two national strike days are planned for Wednesday 14th October and Wednesday 21st October.
He said: “While the Government reached out to unions this week, it has only been with more of the same rhetoric. There is still no evidence of a credible approach to pay that would properly address the cost pressures facing public service workers. This means that members need to stay strong, continue to follow the union instructions applicable to their workplace to build pressure, and show government that we will not be taken for granted.
“Remember, targeted industrial action is needed to cause maximum disruption to the employer, and it is likely that further escalation will be necessary.”
Members can access the industrial action hub here. On it you’ll find FAQs for all divisions, designs for posters and placards, and email templates to support you in responding to queries at work and more.
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Cork and Kerry Local Government members
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Sligo University Hospital members
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