# Unions
Last week
26th November 2023 - 2nd December 2023
Talks on public sector pay deal to resume at Workplace Relations Commission
Unions last week accepted an invitation to discuss pay within the sector by Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe.
Talks on public sector pay deal to begin at Workplace Relations Commission today
Unions last week accepted an invitation to discuss pay within the sector by Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe.
This year
2023
Community workers call off strike after breakthrough in pay negotiations
Around 5,000 workers in the community and voluntary sector had been due to go on indefinite strike.
Health and community workers to strike 'indefinitely' from 17 October over staffing concerns
The unions said the sector is facing a “crisis” in staff recruitment and retention.
Irish actors union demonstrate in solidarity with US writers and actors strike
Equity Ireland’s president said that streaming platforms have made it impossible for actors and writers to be paid fairly.
Unions say 'do the right thing' after Accenture's announcement of 890 layoffs in Ireland
The unions have also demanded to know why there are still jobs in Ireland being advertised on Accenture’s website.
Mick Lynch praises NI unions and warns Belfast rally against ‘ultra right’ causing division
The British union leader praised unions across Northern Ireland that had taken industrial action in recent months at a rally gathered at Belfast City Hall.
France prepares for 'hellish' day of protests over controversial pension reform
The changes would raise the retirement age for most people from 62 to 64 and increase the years of contributions required for a full pension.
Last year
2022
RTÉ and union negotiate 6% pay increase phased in over two years
Members of the RTÉ Trade Union Group will vote on whether they accept the measure.
Fórsa union urges members to accept 6.5% pay increase
The executive of Ireland’s largest public service union has backed the public sector pay deal agreed this week.
Teacher unions plan ballots for industrial action over stalled pay talks
The unions noted that workers’ pay has been diminished by soaring inflation.
Public service pay talks are now officially underway
The talks will be facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission from next week.
Coveney okays associate membership of ICTU for armed forces ahead of pay talks
Defence Minister Simon Coveney said that the government is aware of the ‘longstanding desire’ of the body to associate with the union
McGrath gives the green light to exploratory talks on public service pay
The talks will centre around the pay for 350,000 people who work in the public sector.
'Some teachers get assaulted more than once a week': Review demanded over attacks at schools
Unions have demanded that better supports are available to teachers who have been assaulted by students.
All time
Unions call for healthcare workers to not be exempt from five-day household Covid rule
Dr Colm Henry said the HSE is finalising its policy around this at the moment.
Hospitality industry 'not an attractive sector' for returning workers, Oireachtas committee hears
The Oireachtas committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media discussed the issue today.
Unions call on Taoiseach to solve row over recognising hardships faced by healthcare workers
The unions said said the delay was “deeply damaging” to the morale of all health care workers.
Vaccine priority: All three teacher unions agree to ballot for industrial action if government doesn't meet demands
The three unions tabled a joint motion on the issue.
Education Minister: Unions 'refused to accept public health advice' over special schools return
The Fórsa union has said it wanted special education back “as soon as possible” but criticised “running commentary in the media”
Government drops plans to re-open schools for special education this Thursday
Fórsa said its workers were genuinely fearful that a return to school was unsafe for students and staff.
HSE tells unions that where healthcare workers can't secure childcare, they can remain at home with pay
Previous proposals to support healthcare workers with childcare provision had been described as inadequate by unions.
Concern over how physical distancing in workplaces will be 'policed' once restrictions are eased
Unions are monitoring the situation but they say enforcement resources need to be increased.
Siptu announces it is to ballot its Virgin Media members over industrial action
The action may include striking.
Opinion: The Limerick Soviet of 1919 is part of a hidden history of Ireland
This battle was part of a momentous ‘Game of Thrones’ to decide who would rule Ireland: British imperialism, Irish capitalism or the working class, writes Cian Prendiville.
Opinion: Teaching unions' stance on education plans for students with disabilities sets a worrying precedent
I believe that the unions are targeting industrial action at a minority and that this sets a worrying precedent for all minority groups, writes Adam Harris.
Opinion: The future of Irish jobs looks precarious
‘If and when’ contracts and other insecure forms of employment are becoming the norm in some industries, we need regulation to make all work decent, writes Marie Sherlock.
Aer Lingus CEO apologises to staff for 'hurt and upset' caused by newspaper article
Stephen Kavanagh met with staff and union representatives yesterday evening.
Aer Lingus is facing a union showdown over staff profit-sharing demands
After agreeing pay increases with the airline, staff representatives are pushing for a piece of the pie.
Ambulance service staff to take industrial action over union rights
The National Ambulance Service Representative Association has said its members have voted by nearly 98% in favour of industrial action.
European pilots group calls for Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary to resign
Ryanair said that the group in question had “no legal standing or validity”.
Siptu stalwart Jack O'Connor to step down as its president
The union said that O’Connor will continue to be “involved” in another capacity.
New 'improved' rosters for Bus Éireann drivers in Navan from Sunday - NBRU
Discussions have been taking place between management and unions over pay, rosters, and drivers’ productivity.
Bus Éireann staff say problems with northeast services 'have nothing to do with absenteeism'
They’re to do with a lack of buses and too many impractical services, say drivers. And they’re not one bit impressed with the situation.
Public servants to get first tranche of restoration pay in the New Year
Unions that wish to be included in the deal will have to notify ICTU in writing
Bus Éireann management and unions argue over new rosters in latest dispute
For three weeks in April, industrial action at the company brought the State-run transport services to a halt.
Gardaí's right to strike ruled out in new report
Strike action by gardaí was averted last year when a €50 million pay deal was struck in the Labour Court.
Flight cancellations: Why is Ryanair switching its calendar year?
Michael O’Leary has denied that the loss of Ryanair pilots to rival airlines is partly to blame for hundreds of flight cancellations.
Dublin Fire Brigade is operating at reduced capacity due to unofficial overtime strikes over pay
Firefighters and paramedics in Dublin want their overtime rate raised to 1.5 times regular pay, in line with the rest of the country and the Dublin City Council standard.
