SIPTU Local Authority and State Agency members to begin industrial action

Westmeath SIPTU members employed across the Local Authority and State Agency sectors will be joining fellow members throughout the country as they commence industrial action on September 30, in a dispute resulting from the failure of the Government to establish the basis for formal negotiations on a successor public service pay agreement.

The Union has repeatedly sought meaningful engagement on arrangements to replace the current agreement and to address public service workers’ concerns regarding pay, living costs, recruitment, retention challenges and the future of public services.

Despite these efforts, no satisfactory basis for formal talks has been established.

From 30th September, SIPTU members across Local Authorities and State Agencies will commence industrial action, including work-to-rule action and the withdrawal of workplace goodwill arrangements.

The action will involve members working strictly within their contractual obligations and withdrawing cooperation from a range of non-statutory initiatives and change programmes.

SIPTU Public Administration and Community Divisional Organiser, Brendan O’Brien, commented on the upcoming action, “Our members have shown enormous commitment, flexibility and professionalism in supporting public services through a period of significant change and growing demands.

“Much of what keeps services functioning effectively depends upon the goodwill and cooperation of workers.

“The decision to take industrial action has not been made lightly. SIPTU remains committed to securing a negotiated outcome and has consistently sought meaningful engagement on a successor pay agreement.

“Unfortunately, the failure by the employer side and the Government to establish a basis for formal talks has left our members with no alternative but to act collectively.”

He added, “We are calling on public service employers and the Government to engage constructively and urgently to avoid an escalation of this dispute.

“The best outcome for workers, employers and service users alike is a negotiated agreement that recognises the contribution of public service workers and addresses the challenges facing public services.”