News Archive
SIPTU member’s encounter with Taoiseach brings the spotlight on carers’ pay
The long-running dispute concerning pay for Section 39 and other voluntary sector workers came under the spotlight in the last days of the election after an encounter between a SIPTU member and Taoiseach Simon Harris in Kanturk, County Cork on 22nd November. The...
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.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Global surveys show that up to 31% of working women experience sexual harassment in their lifetime, with rates surging to 42% among young women.
Aviation Sector AGM 2026
The Aviation Sector Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on 10th March in Portlaoise, County Laois. The well-attended event saw constructive discussions on several issues. SIPTU Deputy General Secretary for the Private Sector Greg Ennis and SIPTU TEAC Divisional...
Trade Union Week 2026
The Aviation Sector hosted an information stand at Dublin Airport on 30th April to celebrate Trade Union Week. The stand generated a lot of discussion with existing members and garnered a lot of interest from those workers not in a union. Trade Union Week is a...
Farewell and thank you Jerry Brennan
The SIPTU Aviation Sector extends its best wishes and gratitude to Industrial Organiser Jerry Brennan who retired in January 2026. Photo – Jerry Brennan (Centre) attending the WRC with Niall Phillips (Sector Organiser), and Terry Gill (Industrial Organiser).
Atlantic Aviation members agree major pay harmonisation and merger deal
Over 300 union members recently participated in a ballot on a merger proposal of the old Lufthansa Technik Shannon (LTS – formerly Shannon Aerospace) Hangar 1 and the AAG operation (Hangar 2). Initially the company had run both as separate operations but decided to...
Severance terms agreed for catering drivers in Aer Lingus
In November 2025 Aer Lingus confirmed to SIPTU that it intends to outsource the work of about 60 drivers, who deliver meals to its aircraft in Dublin Airport. Production of onboard meals for the Dublin-based operations was outsourced back in 2020, just before the...
Swissport agrees one-year pay deal
A one-year local bargaining pay agreement has been reached between SIPTU and the ground handling contractor Swissport. The deal, agreed at local level covers approximately 480 union members in Dublin, Cork and Shannon, and provides for a 3% pay increase from 1st...
Sligo Airport reaches agreement with SIPTU Firefighters on collective bargaining
SIPTU members employed as Firefighters at Sligo Airport have ended their industrial action following a breakthrough agreement with management to formally recognise the Union for collective bargaining purposes. SIPTU Organiser, Andrew Clune, said: "Our members ended...
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 Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on 1st July, to demand reform of public procurement processes to ensure workers’...
Exciting opportunity to work with Ireland’s Strongest Union
This is an exciting opportunity to work with Ireland’s largest trade union in an influential and rewarding civil society role. SIPTU is Ireland’s strongest trade union representing members, their families and communities in both jurisdictions in the public and private...
Celebrate Trade Union culture and achievement
SIPTU General Secretary John King will give keynote speeches at two major events in the trade union calendar over the next couple of weeks, the Red Flag Festival in Navan and the Tressell Festival in the RDS.
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.
CSO figures show worrying decline in hospitality sector
The Labour Force Survey figures for 2025 by the CSO, released last month, highlight a worrying decline in hospitality employment, strongly contradicting some recent claims of a “booming” food sector. While Q1 2025 data suggested growth, driven largely by part-time...
SIPTU members welcome new Tesco investment in Cavan Town
SIPTU Services Division members have welcomed the beginning of construction on a new Tesco store in Cavan Town, following a sod-turning event in April to mark the start of the major development. The new 35,000 sq. ft. store represents a significant multi-million euro...
SIPTU launches ‘Broadcasting the Future’ on the renewal of public service broadcasting
SIPTU launched ‘Broadcasting the Future’, a discussion document aimed at sparking debate on the renewal of public service broadcasting at a seminar in Liberty Hall on 29th April, addressed by media academics, politicians and workers. The document warns that Ireland is...
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.
Have your say on direct employment and outsourcing – Support Sector survey
The Support Sector Committee launched an important survey on direct employment and outsourcing at the recent Annual General Meeting of the Sector. The Committee is now calling on all support grade Shop Stewards and Activists to participate in each workplace. Launching...
ID Care Sector seeks agreement with HSE over implementation of national Job Review
SIPTU is seeking an agreement with the HSE on the implementation of a national Job Review scheme for workers in the Intellectual Disability (ID) Sector following a meeting with HSE personnel in April. In the meeting, ID Care Sector Organiser, Sharon Cregan, outlined...
‘I can’t believe the day is here!’ HCAs in Monaghan launch new Caribbean Blue uniform
Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in Monaghan General Hospital launched their new uniform in April in the shade of Caribbean Blue. The designated uniform will provide a professional identity for Health Care Assistants, who play a vital role in patient care. The...
SIPTU Health’s Trade Union Week
Health Division Shop Stewards, Organisers and members hosted nationwide events earlier this month as part of Trade Union Week to highlight the importance of being part of SIPTU. Stalls were set up nationwide, from Donegal to Kerry, in hospitals and health facilities,...
Divisional Head Kevin Figgis meets with Taoiseach concerning Long Covid pay scheme cessation
SIPTU Health Division representatives met with the Taoiseach, along with the INMO, IMO and Fórsa, on 30th April to discuss the challenges many healthcare workers face arising from the cessation of the special leave with pay scheme for Long Covid. “We impressed on the...
Overwhelming public support for ambulance professionals’ industrial action
SIPTU members working for the National Ambulance Service (NAS) have been overwhelmed with the level of public support for their campaign of industrial action, which began on Monday (11th May) with work-to-rule measures and a 24-hour work stoppage on 12th May. The...
Divisional Head Kevin Figgis’s Monthly Update
This monthly bulletin is very important because it highlights the work being done on behalf of our members within the SIPTU Health Division. We are a dedicated team of officials working with our Shop Stewards and members across the country in order to make a...
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.
Every Brain Belongs: Neurodiversity, Your Rights, and the Role of Your Union
In this special Union Week blog Dan O’Neill, from SIPTU College shines a light on the role a Union can play in developing negotiated neurodiversity policies and why they are important for all workers.
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.
Countdown to SIPTU Trade Union Week
The Health Division is calling on all Shop Stewards and activists to get involved in the 2026 Better in a Trade Union week, which runs from Monday, 27th April to Monday, 4th May. We are all proud to be members of the trade union movement and this initiative gives us a...
Paramedic graduates win deal securing permanent contracts
SIPTU representatives last month welcomed a resolution of a dispute affecting 70 graduate paramedics who will be offered permanent contracts in the National Ambulance Service (NAS). This dispute was concluded following engagement between unions and HSE management on...
Pay increase for Valentia Community Hospital members
SIPTU members in Valentia Community Hospital received an 8.25% pay increase from 1st February, following negotiations between SIPTU representatives and the Hospital’s Board of Management. Members in the hospital were previously classified as Section 39 workers,...
Learn with SIPTU: Training day for ID Care members
Members from the Intellectual Disability (ID) Sector gathered for a dynamic training day in Tullamore on 26th February. The day aimed to assist our members in mapping out workplaces to assist in increasing density and union membership in their areas and improving...
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.
Divisional Head Kevin Figgis’s Monthly Update
Last month, we held our 2026 AGMs across our six sectors, which are representative of our 42,000 members in health. The message we have received is very clear. Our members are demanding a strong successor Public Service Agreement that ultimately delivers real pay...
‘Risk, extreme pressure and trauma’ nursing home workers’ pandemic experiences
A submission to the government-appointed independent review of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic was presented by Divisional Head Kevin Figgis at the Care Sector Annual General Meeting (AGM) last month. SIPTU's submission examined nursing home workers' experiences...
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’.
SIPTU focuses on job security at North Cork Creameries following Carbery Group agreement
SIPTU representatives at North Cork Creameries have confirmed that their primary focus is ensuring job security and employment continuity following an announcement yesterday (2nd April 2026) that the Co-Op has reached a commercial agreement with the Carbery Group to...
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.
Union access, legal limits and IR convergence to the fore at the IRN Conference
How is collective bargaining faring in Ireland? What does the State’s new Action Plan for promoting collective bargaining mean to practitioners? To read more about this click here.
SIPTU General Secretary warns cost-of-living crisis will impact wage negotiations
SIPTU General Secretary, John King, has warned that the added cost-of-living increases, resulting from the crisis in the Middle East, will mean additional pressure for wage increases in negotiations.
Irish Equity celebrates Jessie Buckley’s historic Oscar awards win
Irish Equity, which represents performers and creative workers across Ireland, hailed Jessie Buckley’s historic Oscar win, which will act as an inspiration to a new generation of Irish performers.
Leading political, trade union, academic and other voices call for end to siege on Cuba
We are calling on the Irish government to urgently intervene with the EU and the US administrations to immediately lift the illegal blockade of Cuba.
SIPTU’s Kevin Figgis urges commitment to universal high-quality public services
SIPTU’s Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, is urging the Government to commit to providing high-quality universal public services following the adoption of a resolution by the EPSU.
Healthcare unions express concern about AI policy
The ICTU Group of Healthcare Unions has stated that any integration of AI into the health service must be done in consultation with the human backbone of the health service – its workers.
SIPTU calls for action on safe staffing following UHL site purchase announcement
SIPTU has given a cautious welcome to the statement by Minister for Health confirming the purchase of a site near University Hospital Limerick (UHL) to support the future provision of healthcare services
SIPTU welcomes decision to offer contracts to graduate paramedics
SIPTU representatives have welcomed a resolution of a dispute affecting 70 graduate paramedics who will now be offered permanent contracts in the National Ambulance Service.
SIPTU seeks urgent North Cork Creameries meeting on jobs threat
SIPTU representatives are seeking an urgent meeting with senior management at North Cork Creameries, following an announcement last week that the company is proposing to enter a redundancy process
Looking ahead to a significant year for many
This year is pivotal, as it marks the end of the Public Sector Pay agreement and the potential for future pay talks later this year. Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis outlines his Division’s priorities for 2026.
SIPTU says venue support scheme is inadequate support for Night-Time Economy
SIPTU representatives say the Government’s new Grassroots Venue Support Scheme the latest support package for the night-time economy, falls drastically short of the investment required
SIPTU members in Dublin Home Care provider vote for strike action
SIPTU members working in Blanchardstown and Inner City Home Care have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action over pay inequality in a ballot result released today.
SIPTU warns of ‘race to the bottom’ as union challenges ‘EU Inc.’ deregulation plans
SIPTU has issued a stark warning regarding the proposed new pan-European “28th company/EU Inc. regime,” stating it risks dismantling decades of hard-won workers’ rights and labour standards in Ireland.
SIPTU calls on HSE to address dispute over radiographer tutor retention crisis
SIPTU representatives have urged the HSE to take immediate action to resolve a dispute arising from a recruitment and retention crisis affecting Clinical Practice Tutors in Radiography.
SIPTU to play key role in HSE Pay and Number Strategy talks
SIPTU will be a key participant in this year's Pay and Number Strategy talks with the HSE after claims that it was in breach of a staffing agreement across grades. This comes after the HSE was taken to the Labour Court for failing to engage and consult on a workforce...
Caredoc members end dispute after accepting SIPTU-secured proposals
Caredoc members voted to accept proposals secured by the Union, bringing an end to their pay dispute.The agreement granted a retroactive 8% pay increase to all members, which they overwhelmingly approved and was implemented for staff in January. Members had engaged in...
Long-running ID sector dispute resolved after members vote in favour of proposals
A long-running dispute involving 16 Intellectual Disability Instructors employed in St. John of God Services in County Kerry has been resolved after members voted, in February, in favour of proposals agreed at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The dispute...
Major wins nationwide for HSE Health Care Assistants in Home Support
Strikes were called off around the country after an agreement was finally reached between the HSE and Home Support Health Care Assistants (HCAs) on key issues, including underpayments, rostering, and working conditions for these critical frontline staff. As a result...
Pay increase for HSE workers starts 1st February 2026
Members in the HSE and section 38 employments will receive an increase in annualised basic salary of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, from 1st February 2026. We are expecting to receive confirmation from the HSE on the actual pay dates when the increase will be...
National Ambulance Service members to ballot for industrial action in salary dispute
SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) are balloting for industrial action over the failure to implement recommendations of a 2020 Independent report (sometimes referred to as the Roles and Responsibilities Review), which addressed updating salary...
SIPTU host urgent political discussion on public broadcasting
SIPTU members in RTÉ held an urgent political briefing regarding the escalating crisis in public service broadcasting. The meeting followed a recent 89% vote of no confidence by members in ‘New Direction’
Sunday Read: You need your Union in this crazy world
A union provides not only protection in the workplace, but also a collective voice in shaping how employers and governments respond to uncertainty. In uncertain times, union membership is essential.
Workers will put humanity before football points in Israel match crisis
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Greg Ennis, has reiterated his Union’s call on the Government and FAI to boycott the proposed Ireland vs Israel Nations League matches.
National Ambulance Service dispute intensifies following student jobs decision
SIPTU members are urging the HSE’s National Ambulance Service to reverse its decision not to offer student paramedics full-time contracts following graduation.
Union recognition secured at Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore
Union recognition has been secured for SIPTU members in Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore, following a campaign of industrial action which received widespread community support.
SIPTU battle to protect manufacturing jobs in Abbeyfeale, Newbridge and Newry
SIPTU representatives have expressed deep shock and anger following redundancy announcements at the Kostal plant in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, Newbridge Silverware, and Glen Dimplex in Newry. The Union has moved immediately to support affected workers, many of whom...
Significant pay gains secured across manufacturing employments
The Manufacturing Division has kicked off 2026 with a wave of successful pay agreements, securing vital wage increases and improved conditions for thousands of workers across the Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, and Food manufacturing sectors.
You need your Union in this crazy world
“The whole world is in a terrible state of chassis”, is Captain Jack Boyle’s famous declaration at the end of Juno and the Paycock, written by the famous playwright and early member of our Union, Seán O’Casey.
An affordability led model is the way out of the housing crisis
Something is badly broken in Waterford’s housing market, and the numbers make for stark reading. In this week’s Sunday Read we analyse the latest SIPTU research and chart a way out of the housing crisis.
National Ambulance Service to ballot for industrial action in salary scales dispute
SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) are balloting for industrial action in a dispute with management resulting from a failure to implement the recommendations of an independent report on updating staff salary scales in recognition of changes in their...
Donegal HSE Home Support HCAs secure overtime payments
Health Care Assistants in the HSE Home Support Service in County Donegal have secured back payment of overtime owed since 2018 after a threat of industrial action
Nationwide Health Care Assistants’ strikes suspended
SIPTU has suspended all planned Health Care Assistant strikes in the Northwest, West and South regions following agreement with the HSE on key issues regarding underpayments and conditions
SIPTU members vote no confidence in RTÉ management plan
SIPTU members employed in RTÉ have voted overwhelmingly to reject a management plan that will result in the endless outsourcing of jobs at the national broadcaster.
SIPTU FAI members say safety concerns should rule out Israel fixtures
SIPTU members employed by the FAI have raised serious safety concerns regarding any proposed Nations League match between Ireland and Israel, calling on the organisation to show consistency.
SIPTU Donegal HSE Health Care Assistants’ industrial action postponed pending talks
A 24-hour strike involving Health Care Assistants in Home Support in Donegal, has been suspended after progress was made between SIPTU and the HSE regarding key dispute issues.
Joint Statement by Together for Early Years
As provider and employee representatives across both private and community Early Years services, we would like to express our serious concerns over the proposed judicial review of the Early Years Employment Regulation Order (ERO), which establishes legally binding...
SIPTU and Sofina Foods confirm union recognition at Carroll’s Cuisine
SIPTU and Sofina Foods have jointly confirmed the formal recognition of SIPTU as the representative trade union for employees at the Carroll’s Cuisine site in Tullamore, County Offaly.