Irish government and unions pause next week's public sector strike after talks

Ireland saw its largest public-sector strike in 17 years, with over 300,000 workers walking out. In response, the government has agreed to bring in independent third-party Kevin Foley to conduct an intensive exercise aimed at setting the stage for formal negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission. After talks between the government and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Public Services Committee, representatives of the 19 unions involved voted to suspend the strike scheduled for next Wednesday, although work-to-rule actions will persist.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed the development, saying it creates an opportunity for both sides to move toward successful negotiations. PSC chair Kevin Callinan noted that the Taoiseach personally called from a European Council meeting in Brussels to reaffirm the government's commitment to a quick public-service agreement.