The pressure is working!
Following discussions the ICTU Public Services Committee has agreed to defer the strike action scheduled for next Wednesday. Full statement here.
Largest mobilisation by SIPTU members in a generation underway
Over 60,000 SIPTU members will take strike action today, manning up to 2,000 picket lines across the country alongside tens of thousands of union colleagues in the public sector. Support them.
No basis for strike action to be postponed
Responding to a letter issued by Minister Jack Chambers TD this afternoon, SIPTU’s Adrian Kane, said that the Minister’s letter does not represent any change in his previously stated position.
Get Strike Ready
Momentum is building across our Union for the strike. This will be the central hub for all the information members and potential members will need for the duration of this dispute. Get involved. #UnionStrike
SIPTU serves notice of further public sector strike day in cost-of-living battle
SIPTU has served further notice of industrial action on all public sector workplaces for 21st October, in addition to the planned stoppage next Wednesday.
SIPTU calls for worker safeguards on AI and action against subcontracting abuses
Delegates unanimously passed an Aviation Sector motion on Artificial Intelligence (AI), covering its use in areas including rostering, maintenance, security screening and performance monitoring.
SIPTU to action strike mandate if RTÉ funding cut leads to compulsory redundancies or outsourcing
SIPTU representatives have warned that the Union will give immediate effect to its existing mandate if cuts to funding for RTÉ result in compulsory redundancies or further outsourcing of core roles.
SIPTU condemns Government abandonment of Living Wage target
SIPTU has strongly condemned the statement by Minister Peter Burke that the Government has abandoned 2029 as the deadline for implementing a Living Wage.
A chaotic Budget providing little relief for workers
SIPTU General Secretary John King has described Budget 2027 as “a chaotic budget providing little relief for workers” and not the “workers’ budget” promised by Minister for Finance, Simon Harris.
Ten days until the biggest Union Strike in a generation
In ten days’ time, SIPTU members across health, local government, State agencies and education will take to the picket line and strike. Deputy General Secretary, Adrian Kane explains what’s at stake.
Reasonable Accommodation Passports must assist workers with disabilities
SIPTU has called for the introduction of Reasonable Accommodation Passports to assist workers with disabilities following the passing of a motion at its Manufacturing Division Biennial Delegate Conference.
SIPTU calls on Oireachtas committee to challenge FAI over refusal to bargain with staff
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis said the issue must be examined alongside the committee’s questions about governance, public funding and the FAI’s handling of the Ireland–Israel fixtures.
SIPTU highlights FAI duty of care to players and workers if Israel fixtures proceed
SIPTU has said the FAI and other employers involved in the scheduled Ireland-Israel fixtures have a clear duty of care to players, staff and workers.
SIPTU calls to reopen vital ambulance base to safeguard lives in Donegal
SIPTU’s Health Division is urging the HSE to urgently reopen Lifford Ambulance base to restore essential emergency services in County Donegal.
Monthly message from Kevin Figgis, SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser
Dear Members, On 30th September, our members in 30 of Ireland’s largest hospitals will take...
Health Division escalates dispute in 30 hospitals
SIPTU Health Division has notified the HSE and voluntary hospital employers that more than 11,000 members across 30 hospitals will undertake a full day of strike action on Wednesday, 14th October.
Workplace Relations Commission funding cuts risk workers’ access to justice
SIPTU representatives have warned that Government plans to reduce funding available to the...
Unions launch ‘Turn Your Back on Genocide, Not Palestine’ action
A coalition of trade unions, Palestinian solidarity groups and football supporters groups is calling on sports teams around the country to show their opposition to the sportswashing of genocide.
Trade unionists call for support for Affordable Ireland march on Saturday
A coalition of trade unions has called on workers to support the Affordable Ireland march in Dublin this Saturday, demanding Government action on the cost-of-living and housing crises.
SIPTU Local Authority and State Agency members to begin industrial action
SIPTU members employed across the Local Authority and State Agency sectors will commence industrial action on 30th September says SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Brendan O’Brien
SIPTU backs RTÉ staff boycott of Israel fixtures and pledges support to other workers
SIPTU has welcomed reports that a refusal by RTÉ staff to play any role in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches involving Ireland and Israel means that if the games go ahead, any RTÉ broadcast of them is likely to have no commentary, no panel or studio analysis.
SIPTU health workers to take industrial action in 30 hospitals on 30th September
SIPTU Health members in 30 hospitals will take industrial action on 30th September as part of the Union’s campaign to force the Government to commence negotiations on a new public service pay agreement.
SIPTU members welcome new minimum rates of pay in the security industry
SIPTU members employed in the security industry have welcomed the announcement that a new Employment Regulation Order for the sector will come into force on 28th September, increasing hourly rates of pay.
Government must reject employers’ demands on the minimum wage
SIPTU General Secretary John King has called on the Government to reject employers’ demands to reduce the increase in the National Minimum Wage.
SIPTU calls on Government to prevent 15% public transport fare increase
SIPTU has called on the Government to fund public transport and prevent average adult fare increases of 15% from January 2027, warning they would worsen the cost-of-living crisis and impact pay negotiations.
SIPTU votes for public service strike action over Government failure to enter talks
SIPTU members in the public service have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, in a ballot counted in Liberty Hall, and count centres in Cork and Galway today.
SIPTU calls on Trimfold Envelopes to engage with WRC over redundancy terms
SIPTU has called on the management of Trimfold Envelopes to reverse its decision not to participate in a Workplace Relations Commission conciliation process concerning redundancy terms.
New ‘Stop The Game’ banner displayed on Liberty Hall in Dublin
There are much more important things in life than six points from two Nations League matches against Israel. Football in Ireland will still go on if we refuse to take to the field says SIPTU’s Greg Ennis.
AI in healthcare must put patients first and workers at the centre, says Health Division
SIPTU’s Health Division has warned that artificial intelligence must not be allowed to replace human judgement, safe staffing, or compassionate care in Ireland’s health service.
Nursing manager members vote in favour of industrial/strike action
SIPTU nursing manager members voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action and strike action over the failure of the HSE and Department of Health to implement pay recommendations 42 and 43 under the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery.
Update on Public Service Balloting
SIPTU members working in the public service have commenced ballots for Industrial and Strike Action over the Government’s failure to meaningfully engage in a successor Pay Agreement.
New agreement strengthens direct employment across the health service
A landmark national agreement that enables eligible agency workers to transfer into directly employed public service roles represents a major victory for health workers and a significant step towards rebuilding a stronger, more sustainable health service.
Monthly message from Kevin Figgis, SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser
Throughout July and August, SIPTU representatives have been meeting members in workplaces across the country as part of our consultation process on the Government’s ongoing failure to begin negotiations on a successor Public Service Pay Agreement.
SIPTU members at St Joseph’s Centre vote in favour of WRC proposal ending dispute
SIPTU members employed at Ireland’s largest dementia care facility have voted in favour of a proposal put forward by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on 7th August ending a long-running dispute.
SIPTU supports workers’ boycott of Israel fixtures and calls on Government to cancel games
When facing an attempt by a regime to sportswash a genocide, workers have a right to act in accordance with their conscience and should not face disciplinary action.
Attack on Dublin Bus driver highlights need for Transport Police
SIPTU say an attack on a Dublin Bus driver and Union member highlights the pressing need for the Government to fulfil its commitment to establish a Transport Police Service
SIPTU welcomes progress at WRC with St Joseph’s Centre dispute
SIPTU has welcomed progress at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) today (Tuesday, 28th July) between the Union and St Joseph’s Centre, Shankill, concerning a pay dispute.
SIPTU members agree to WRC meeting, postponing strikes at St Joesph’s Centre
SIPTU members employed at Ireland’s largest dementia facility have agreed to defer Monday and Tuesday’s strike action following receipt of an invitation from the Workplace Relations Commission
Summer Economic Statement puts fiscal squeeze on public services and erodes living standards
SIPTU representatives have today expressed serious and deep concerns following the publication of the Government’s Summer Economic Statement.
‘Day in the Life’ of a Catering Attendant in Letterkenny University Hospital
Welcome to ‘Day in the Life’ – a new series where SIPTU speaks to members performing vital jobs across the country. If you are keen to get involved in next month’s ‘Day in the Life’, contact your local Organiser or Shop Steward.
SIPTU members back Labour Court proposals resolving ambulance dispute
SIPTU members overwhelmingly accepted Labour Court proposals today (Friday, 17th July) resolving a six-year dispute over pay rates in the National Ambulance Service (NAS).
SIPTU elects Adrian Kane as new Deputy General Secretary for Public Sector
The National Executive Council of SIPTU, meeting in Liberty Hall ratified the election of Adrian Kane as the Union’s new Deputy General Secretary for the Public Service.
SIPTU demands urgent meeting with Aer Lingus management
SIPTU has expressed deep concern and surprise following this morning’s announcement by Aer Lingus of its intention to reduce headcount by approx 500 positions across the airline.
SIPTU launch landmark ‘Roadmap for Affordable Early Years’
The research outlines a transformative vision to resolve Ireland’s ongoing childcare crisis and how government can deliver on its commitment to €200 a month childcare.
SIPTU calls for Oireachtas scrutiny of Carlow College closure process and exclusion of staff
SIPTU representatives have called on the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Higher Education to launch an immediate examination into the decision to wind down Carlow College.
SIPTU members at St John of God Shankill to strike
SIPTU members employed as Household/Domestic Staff at St Joseph’s Centre in Shankill, Dublin, are to proceed with a strike on Wednesday following a breakdown of talks at the WRC
SIPTU to ballot public service members on strike action over Government inaction on pay talks
SIPTU has launched nationwide workplace consultations in preparation for strike ballots involving tens of thousands of members across the public service over the coming weeks.
Public service unions to prepare ballots as pay talks process stalls
The Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions confirmed unions will convene their national executive bodies to prepare for potential industrial action ballots.
Standing with Cuba – Why Solidarity Matters Now More Than Ever
Cuba has always stood with the world. Now the world, and all trade unionists, must stand with Cuba writes Eira Gallagher, Head of SIPTU College in this week’s Sunday Read.
9% cut to VAT rate for hospitality businesses fails workers
SIPTU has criticised the reinstatement of the 9% VAT rate for hospitality sector employers warning that the measure represents a costly subsidy with little benefit for workers or consumers.
Workers to call for collective bargaining rights on first day of EU Presidency
Workers in the cleaning, security and catering sectors will rally in Dublin to demand better working conditions and full collective bargaining rights, as the EU plans to overhaul public procurement rules.
Castolin workers win dispute on redundancy terms
SIPTU has received confirmation that Castolin management that the company will implement a Labour Court Recommendation bringing to a successful conclusion a campaign of industrial action.
SIPTU calls on RTÉ to boycott Israel fixtures as union members will not cooperate with sportswashing
SIPTU has written to RTÉ calling on the station to refuse to broadcast scheduled football fixtures against Israel and has committed to supporting workers who refuse to work on them.
Upcoming EU presidency an opportunity to support workers legal right to collectively bargain
SIPTU General Secretary, John King said today the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the Eu is an opportunity to support Irish workers’ legal right to collectively bargain
SIPTU members at Castolin Eutectic to escalate strike action
SIPTU has notified Castolin Eutectic Ireland of five further days of strike action as part of a dispute concerning the company’s failure to implement a Labour Court Recommendation on redundancy terms.
Radiation Therapists celebrate new uniform in Galaxy Blue
In May, Radiation Therapists across major hospitals throughout Ireland celebrated the...
SIPTU speaks at Oireachtas over ‘Staff Morale in the HSE’
Health Sector Organiser Liz Cloherty spoke at the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee on 20th...
SIPTU meets with Joint Oireachtas Committee over Irish language recruitment in health service
SIPTU welcomed the invitation to meet with members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Irish...
Nursing Home Workers Survey presented to Minister
In May, Care Sector Organiser Liz Cloherty presented the harrowing results of the Nursing Home...
Divisional Head Kevin Figgis’ Monthly Message
Kevin Figgis speaking in Brussels earlier this year (Credit: EPSU) Dear Members, As we move...
SIPTU members in Castolin Eutectic Ireland to begin industrial action over redundancy terms
SIPTU members in Castolin Eutectic Ireland in Magna Business Park, Citywest, Dublin 24, will commence strike action on Friday which will be followed by further work stoppages on Monday and Tuesday
SIPTU calls on Carlow College to engage with Union
SIPTU has condemned an attempt by Carlow College management to postpone a meeting as further evidence of the institution’s failure to adequately engage with workers’ representatives.
SIPTU members in Dublin home care organisations vote to accept pay proposals
These outcomes represent a significant advance for home care workers and reflect the strength, unity and determination of members, supported by robust union representation throughout the process.
SIPTU to support broadcast and transport workers who refuse to assist Israel games
SIPTU will support members who refuse to assist in any way with the holding of football matches involving Israel, as the Union renewed its call to the Government to listen to the vast majority of people in Ireland who want the games boycotted.
SIPTU says Government failing to address fundamental issues with Israel games
SIPTU has condemned the Government for failing to address the fundamental moral and political issues arising from proposed football fixtures involving Israel.
Health Divisional Head Kevin Figgis attends healthcare conference in Prague
A key focus of the discussions was the impact of an ageing workforce and the urgent need for governments and employers to invest in healthcare writes SIPTU Health’s Kevin Figgis
Ambulance dispute update: Labour Court recommend pay rises
SIPTU representatives have described a Labour Court recommendation of pay rises for ambulance workers as “a major breakthrough” in a long-running dispute.
Pay increases included in WRC proposal over Dublin home care dispute
SIPTU has confirmed that proposals have been issued following conciliation at the WRC in the ongoing dispute involving members employed by Blanchardstown and Inner-City Home Care Association.
Unruly Passengers a growing issue that must be tackled
In 2019, a number of Irish aviation organisations, including airlines and airports proactively agreed to the Joint Declaration on Unruly Passenger Behaviour.
SIPTU members in RTÉ vote for industrial action to prevent further outsourcing
SIPTU members employed in RTÉ have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action if there is any further outsourcing of production or roles at the national broadcaster.
SIPTU receives proposal from Dublin home care provider in pay dispute
SIPTU received a revised pay proposal from the Dublin-based home care provider, Trinity Home Care following intensive engagement with the organisation’s management.
Rally calling for reform of public procurement contracts on 1st July in Dublin
SIPTU members in essential contract services are being urged to mobilise for a protest at the...
Ireland falling further behind on productivity compared to peer economies
Ireland’s domestically-owned economy is falling further behind comparable European economies on productivity, investment, research and development and goods exports, according to new NERI research
SIPTU calls for stronger protections against outsourcing in Public Sector Pay talks
Securing pay increases greater than inflation, robust protections against outsourcing and defending directly employed public service jobs must be key priorities in any public sector pay talks.
SIPTU members welcome new Tesco investment in Cavan Town
SIPTU Services Division members have welcomed the beginning of construction on a new Tesco store...
SIPTU members discuss Israel match action amid mounting safety and moral concerns
SIPTU members in areas impacted by the scheduled international football match against Israel on 4th October have begun a consultation process amid growing safety and moral concerns about the fixture.
Dublin Home Care strikes stood down following WRC engagement
SIPTU representatives have confirmed that planned strike action for this week by members of Blanchardstown & Inner-City Home Care has been stood down. More details here.
SIPTU calls on Minister for Health to intervene in Dublin homecare crisis
SIPTU is urgently calling on the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to intervene immediately to address critical funding challenges facing voluntary home care providers in Dublin.
SIPTU launch ‘Broadcasting the Future’ discussion paper on the renewal of public service broadcasting
SIPTU recently hosted a seminar launching an essential discussion paper, ‘Broadcasting the Future’, which warns Ireland is ‘sleepwalking into the destruction’ of its public media institutions.
SIPTU frontline ambulance workers’ 72-hour strike stood down following progress in talks
SIPTU has agreed to stand down a planned strike by members of the National Ambulance Service next week following constructive discussions with the HSE at the Labour Court on Thursday
National Ambulance Service Dispute Update
Following difficult discussions at the Labour Court talks with the HSE have concluded. The parties have still not reached a settlement. The Labour Court has asked the parties to return on Thursday.
Nursing Home Quality undermined by Staffing Crisis – SIPTU
The warning from the frontline staff is contained in the SIPTU Nursing Home Workers Survey 2026, a report based on the views of over 700 nursing home staff in both the public and private sector facilities.
SIPTU healthcare workers to begin strike action over pay failure
SIPTU members of Blanchardstown and Inner-City Home Care will commence strike action tomorrow for failure by management to fully implement the 2023 Workplace Relations Commission Agreement.
Ambulance workers begin industrial action and prepare for 24-hour stoppage tomorrow
Around 2000 SIPTU ambulance members began industrial action today (11th May), when a work-to-rule came into effect. This will be followed by a 24-hour stoppage on Tuesday, the 12th May.
Strike action set at STERIS Tullamore in union recognition dispute
SIPTU members will conduct work stoppages commencing at 8.00am on Friday, 15th May, and concluding at 8.00am on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
Connolly’s Vision Lives On But Workers Still Wait for Justice
SIPTU General Secretary John King has delivered a major address to mark the 110th anniversary of the execution of James Connolly, trade union organiser, socialist thinker, and revolutionary leader.
SIPTU meets with TDs, Senators over ambulance dispute
Representatives from SIPTU met with TDs and Senators in Leinster House to seek their support for the upcoming strike action in the National Ambulance Service.
SIPTU’s Ethel Buckley welcomes ‘Good Jobs Bill’ at Belfast May Day Rally
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, has told thousands of workers gathered in Belfast that the finalisation of the “Good Jobs Bill” marks a new era for workers’ rights in Northern Ireland.
SIPTU calls for cost-of-living measures to protect workers during energy crisis
The National Executive Council (NEC) of SIPTU met today in Liberty Hall, Dublin, to discuss the current energy crisis and its impact on the cost-of-living.
RTÉ workers to hold protective ballot to prevent further outsourcing
More than 600 SIPTU members in RTÉ will vote in a protective ballot indicating their intent to take industrial action, up to and including strike action,
SIPTU serves notice of strike action on National Ambulance Service
SIPTU has notified the NAS of its intention to conduct strike action next month as part of a long-standing dispute with the HSE regarding unimplemented recommendations from a 2020 independent report.
SIPTU welcomes Fire Services investment plan but highlights gaps of ‘grave concern’
SIPTU has today (Monday 13th April) welcomed the Government’s new investment plan for the country’s full-time and retained fire services but highlighted serious gaps of grave concern.
SIPTU condemns Government failure to support workers
SIPTU General Secretary, John King, has condemned the Government’s abandonment of low to average income households amid a worsening cost-of-living crisis.
SIPTU ambulance members vote for industrial action
Around 2000 SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service across the country voted overwhelmingly for industrial action, up to and including strike action.
Support Sector secures date with WRC over Job Evaluation Scheme
The Support Sector Committee has secured a date later this month with the Workplace Relations Committee to re-engage on its outstanding concerns regarding the Job Evaluation Scheme.
Our Union was central to the Easter Rising
By the Spring of 1916, Liberty Hall had become a bastion of opposition to British rule. The banner on the building since late 1914 stated that; ‘We Serve Neither King Not Kaiser But Ireland’.
Unfurling the Starry Plough
During Easter week, the standard of the Irish Citizen Army (ICA), the Starry Plough, flew over the Imperial Hotel (former Clerys building) on O’Connell Street. In this Sunday Read we explore its origins.
SIPTU calls out employers as childcare crisis deepens
SIPTU has warned that up to €45 million in ring-fenced state funding for early years pay is at risk following the continued refusal of employers’ groups to enter pay talks with the Union.
SIPTU demands halt to hospitality VAT break to fund cost-of-living relief for workers
SIPTU has called on Government to halt the planned reinstatement of the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sectors and invest in targeted electricity credits for low to average-income households.
SIPTU ambulance workers’ survey reveals lack of confidence in HSE to address welfare issues
A survey of SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service has found 78% of respondents express a lack of confidence in the HSE’s ability to adequately address welfare and health and safety issues.