DUBLIN — A second nationwide public sector strike across Ireland is looking increasingly likely after marathon negotiations to resolve an escalating pay dispute broke down without an agreement late Friday night.
The Public Services Committee (PSC) of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is scheduled to convene on Monday morning to evaluate next steps, with a full 24-hour national strike penciled in for Wednesday, November 11.
Talks Hit a Standstill
Negotiations under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) concluded shortly before midnight on Friday following 10 days of intensive discussions.
Fórsa General Secretary and PSC Chairman Kevin Callinan described the sessions as “heated” at times. Union representatives conceded that both sides had reached an impasse that could not yield a credible package for balloting members.
“Despite lengthy negotiations, we have reached an impasse,” a union spokesperson stated. “It does not appear possible, at this time, to negotiate an agreement that unions could confidently put to members in a ballot.”
Independent Intervention Requested
In an effort to avoid widespread industrial chaos, the WRC has requested that a Government-Appointed Group step in to address stalled matters and present potential solutions, while ongoing technical issues remain under the commission’s framework.
Government officials reaffirmed that while core pay elements remain a top priority, proceedings will remain confidential until formal dialogue concludes.
Potential National Disruption
A repeat of October’s strike would bring significant disruption across the country. That walkout shut primary and secondary schools nationwide, postponed thousands of hospital appointments and elective procedures, and halted court hearings and driving tests.
Hundreds of thousands of workers—including nurses, doctors, teachers, and civil servants—remain on a work-to-rule mandate pending Monday’s crunch committee summit.
