In brief
In a nationwide 24‑hour walk‑out, more than 300,000 Irish public‑sector workers—including nurses, doctors, teachers and civil servants—have staged a strike, halting many services and threatening widespread disruptions. The action follows a deadlock in pay negotiations, with a further strike planned for 21 October. Schools could close and hospital appointments would be cancelled as picket lines form across the country. Union representatives lament the government’s failure to engage in formal talks, while government officials describe the strike as deeply disappointing and disruptive.
More than 300,000 public‑sector workers are walking out in a 24‑hour strike across the Republic of Ireland, including nurses, doctors, teachers and civil servants, according to union leaders.
The action comes amid a pay dispute that has stalled negotiations between workers and the Irish government, with a further strike scheduled for 21 October.
Officials warn that schools could close and hospital appointments may be cancelled as picket lines spread across the country.
At the end of September, over 100,000 workers—including nurses, school staff and civil servants—had moved to work‑to‑rule measures, adding pressure on the government to negotiate.
SIPTU’s Brendan O’Brien said the workers’ goodwill had been key to keeping public services running, but the government’s failure to set up formal talks left members with no alternative but to act collectively.
Minister for Expenditure Jack Chambers called the strike “deeply disappointing,” warning of significant economic disruption and the cancellation of thousands of hospital appointments.
Teachers are also feeling the squeeze, with many citing “the pay just isn’t stretching the way that it used to.” Teachers’ Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) Secretary Linda Kelly said teachers are “really struggling” and that the government has not taken them seriously.
With the strike set to last all day, the impact on public services could be severe, forcing schools to close and medical appointments to be cancelled as workers stand at their posts.
