Public sector unions back strike in pay dispute

Public sector unions in Ireland have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, including potential full-scale strikes, in a escalating dispute over pay and working conditions. The votes by the country's two largest public service unions, SIPTU and Fórsa, represent a significant mandate from tens of thousands of workers and increase the likelihood of widespread disruption to essential services. SIPTU announced on Monday, August 31, that its members voted 97% in favour of strike action and 98% for industrial action. On Tuesday, September 1, Fórsa confirmed its members backed industrial action up to and including strikes by 96%, with a 72% turnout. The combined membership of both unions accounts for more than a third of Ireland's approximately 400,000 public sector workers. Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan described the result as the largest-ever strike ballot by a trade union in Ireland. The industrial action is being pursued after formal talks on a new multi-year pay agreement failed to materialise following the expiry of the previous deal on June 30. Union leaders accuse the Government of failing to engage meaningfully or present credible proposals on pay.