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...
Public Service Pay Talks Update
Despite lengthy negotiations, we have reached an impasse. It does not appear possible, at this time, to negotiate an agreement that unions could confidently put to members in a ballot.
SIPTU members in Kostal Ireland to take strike action in redundancy dispute
SIPTU members at the Kostal Ireland plant in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, will begin a campaign of industrial action, including work stoppages, on Monday, in a dispute over redundancy terms
Musicians’ Union backs Palestinian performers’ call for cultural solidarity
The Musicians’ Union of Ireland, a SIPTU affiliate, has welcomed guidance from Palestinian performing arts organisations calling on cultural unions to take meaningful Palestinian solidarity action.
Education investment and AI protections demanded
Delegates warned that rising student numbers and growing demand for apprenticeships were placing additional pressure on staff and institutions, with chronic underinvestment threatening the long-term sustainability of education services across the State.
Conference told Government faces an army of citizens demanding fair pay
The Government faces a mobilised army of citizens demanding that their concerns about the cost-of-living crisis and fair pay be heard, says Deputy General Secretary, Adrian Kane.
Union has been reinvigorated by public sector industrial action
SIPTU remains strike-ready and has been reinvigorated by public sector industrial action, which has delivered membership growth and mobilised workers across the country.
Directly employed staff deliver better public services
Public services are best delivered by directly employed workers with the resources needed to serve their communities, delegates have been told at SIPTU’s Conference in Galway.
Ireland is ‘sleepwalking’ into a corporate Early Years system
SIPTU has warned that Ireland is “sleepwalking into a corporate Early Years system” and has called on the Government to directly fund the wages of educators and managers in the sector.
Democratic legitimacy of trade union strike action contrasted with ‘mob rule’
SIPTU General Secretary John King contrasted the ‘democratic legitimacy’ of trade union strike action with the ‘mob rule’ of the fuel protests in April this year.
PAC Conference supports talks and improved public services
More than 200 delegates representing members from the Education, Community, State Related and Local Authority Sectors gathered in Galway last week for the Public Administration and Community Division Biennial Delegate Conference. The Conference, on 22nd and 23rd...
Pay talks ongoing. Updates to follow
Following discussions the ICTU Public Services Committee agreed to defer strike action. Pay talks are ongoing with our lead negotiator Deputy General Secretary, Adrian Kane. Click for latest update.
SIPTU and Musicians Union of Ireland Statement on the Passing of Donal Lunny
Both SIPTU and the Musicians’ Union of Ireland (MUI) have expressed deep sadness at the passing of Dónal Lunny, one of the leading figures in Irish folk and traditional music.
Dispute Benefit
Please note to claim dispute benefit an actual deduction from pay must have occurred as a result of engaging in strike action, and that you also attended for picket duty.
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.
Picket lines
SIPTU members will be taking strike action on Wednesday, 14th October, as part of the ongoing public service dispute. Pickets are planned at workplaces and locations across the country, including hospitals, ambulance stations, local authorities, educational...
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.
Health FAQs
What is the date of the strike action? On Wednesday 14th October, all public service health members will take a day of strike action. The action will take the form of a one-day work stoppage involving all Health Division public service members in Phase 1 (30 major...
Workers demand 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.
National Strike FAQ
What is a strike? A strike is a planned stoppage of work by union members. During a strike, members withdraw their labour and do not carry out any work. Strike action increases pressure on the employer and advances the Union’s position in an ongoing dispute. What...
RTÉ funding cuts must not lead 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.
Everything PACD members need to know about our industrial action
What Industrial Action will SIPTU members be taking? From 30 September 2026, SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division members will engage in the following forms of Industrial Action Work to Rule Members will work strictly within their contracted hours,...
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.
We Keep Missing You!
We are committed to keeping our members informed about the latest updates and news from the Health Division.
Health Division secures additional annual leave entitlement for Corlann members
SIPTU’s Health Division has secured an agreement with Corlann to grant an additional day’s annual leave to employees in the Care Assistant Intellectual Disability, Instructor and Senior Instructor grades across the organisation.
Deadline for scholarship applications approaching
The SIPTU Education and Development Support (Scholarship) Scheme is a cornerstone of the Union’s commitment to empowering its members through education.
SIPTU nursing manager members to commence industrial action this month
SIPTU members working as nursing managers will commence industrial action later this month after SIPTU, alongside three other nursing unions, served notice on their health service employers.
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.
Health Division highlights current crisis in care over HCA shortage in Norway
SIPTU Care Sector Organiser Liz Cloherty highlighted Ireland’s current crisis in care and the significant shortage of Health Care Assistants (HCAs) at a European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) conference in Oslo, Norway, earlier this month.
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 industrial action as part of the Union’s campaign to force the Government to begin negotiations on a new public service pay agreement. Participating members will conduct a...
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 Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) risk increasing delays and making it more difficult for workers to vindicate their employment rights. The proposed reduction forms part of a...
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.
HEALTH MEMBERS FAQ
Frequently asked questions for those involved in Phase 1 1. Why are we taking industrial action?Because Government has not commenced negotiations on a new public service pay agreement with the trade unions representing public service workers. Our demand is simple:...
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.
SIPTU public service ballot count to take place on Monday
The count of SIPTU members’ ballots on industrial action, up to and including strike action, in the public service will take place on Monday 31st August from 11.00 am in Liberty Hall, Connolly Hall and Galway.
Before the Lockout: The Sligo Dock Strike
In this week’s Sunday Read we republish history lecturer John Cunningham’s look at a dispute where the use of scab labour became a significant factor in a battle that foreshadowed the Dublin Lockout of 1913.
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.
What Would Connolly Make of the World of Work Today?
We Only Want the Earth: The Life & Ideas of James Connolly tells the story of one of the central figures in the founding of our Union. See it on RTÉ 1 on 26th August at 9.35pm. Available also on the RTE Player.
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.
Members at St Joseph’s Centre vote in favour of WRC proposal ending dispute
Members employed at Ireland’s largest dementia care facility voted in favour of a WRC proposal ending a long-running dispute at the unit which caters for more than 80 people daily.
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.
“A rat race is for rats.” The legacy of trade unionist Jimmy Reid
Jimmy Reid lived by the belief that real fulfilment lies in service to humanity and people. The Union way, and that solidarity is not some abstract concept but a daily commitment.
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
SIPTU escalates industrial action at St Joseph’s Centre with 72-hour strike
SIPTU representatives announced an escalation in industrial action at Ireland’s largest dementia care facility with a 72-hour strike scheduled for next week following a lack of progress in talks.
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.
St John of God Shankill members on strike over grading and pay
SIPTU members employed as Household/Domestic Staff at St Joseph’s Centre in Shankill, Dublin, went out on strike three days following a breakdown of talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on 13th July.
And the winner of the Health Division Trade Union Week draw is…
During Trade Union Week, which took place in late April and early May, SIPTU Health activists held dozens of events in health service workplaces from Wexford to Donegal and Mayo to Louth.
Health Division welcomes HCA report outlining policy recommendations
The Sean McHugh report, Role and Function of Health Care Assistants, was issued in 2018 following a long campaign by SIPTU members to review and acknowledge the ever-expanding role of the Health Care Assistant. SIPTU’s Care Sector continued to campaign for the...
SIPTU to consider Labour Court decision on Public Laboratory Scientists’ pay
SIPTU members will consider findings of a Labour Court recommendation, issued on 7th July, on the long-running dispute over pay rates for Public Laboratory Scientists working in the HSE.
‘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.
NAS members back Labour Court proposals ending dispute
SIPTU members overwhelmingly accepted Labour Court proposals on 17th July resolving a six-year dispute over pay rates in the National Ambulance Service (NAS).
Have a Say in Your Pay!
SIPTU’s Health Division is fighting for a new Public Sector Agreement that delivers real pay increases, protects job security, and stands up to outsourcing.
Monthly message from Kevin Figgis, SIPTU Health Divisional Head
Over the next couple of weeks, from the 20th of July to the 28th of August, there will be townhall meetings where we will hold consultations and ballots on industrial and/or strike action.
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.
Big wins for the Health Division
Last month, SIPTU’s Health Division celebrated wins for its members with positive outcomes from three disputes across the country.
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.
Boys in Green Should Not Be Made to Cross a Picket Line
In today’s Sunday Read SIPTU has reiterated its demand that the Government and the FAI immediately withdraw from forthcoming football fixtures against Israel, warning that history will judge Ireland.
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 launch of their new Galaxy Blue uniform. This will be the first time our Radiation Therapist members will be co-ordinated in a recognisable uniform across 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 May following a submission on “Staff Morale in the HSE”.At the hearing, Cloherty called for a safe staffing policy to be developed for all grades within the...
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 Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community. The Committee heard the views of this Union on the implementation of the Official Languages Amendment Act 2021 in...
Nursing Home Workers Survey presented to Minister
In May, Care Sector Organiser Liz Cloherty presented the harrowing results of the Nursing Home Workers Survey 2025 to the Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O' Donnell, at Leinster House. In attendance were the Head of Strategic...
Stronger protections needed against outsourcing in upcoming Public Sector Pay talks, says Divisional Head Kevin Figgis
Securing pay increases greater than inflation, robust protections against outsourcing and defending directly employed public service jobs must be key priorities in the forthcoming public sector pay negotiations, Head of SIPTU Health...
Divisional Head Kevin Figgis’ Monthly Message
Kevin Figgis speaking in Brussels earlier this year (Credit: EPSU) Dear Members, As we move through June, our attention turns to the vital role public services play in supporting our communities and the workers who deliver them every day. On 23rd June, the...
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.