Irish public-sector unions schedule two more school closures amid pay dispute
Teachers' unions in Ireland will notify the government of one-day strikes on October 14 and October 21, which are expected to shut most schools and disrupt health, local government and courts.
Union leaders from Ireland’s four largest public-service bodies met on Monday and agreed to escalate their dispute over a new national pay arrangement by filing strike notices for October 14 and a second day, most likely October 21. The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation and the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland will lead a one-day school shutdown, adding to a three-week work-to-rule that began last Wednesday and has already affected hospitals, local authorities and courts.
While some parents are confused, many recognize the unions’ call for a pay negotiation that addresses 2026 cost pressures rather than only future years. Additional unions such as the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, SIPTU, Fórsa, the Irish Medical Organisation, the Teachers Union of Ireland and Unite have joined the work-to-rule and are expected to participate in the upcoming strike. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has pledged a significant allocation for public pay in 2027 but called the disruption unnecessary and urged unions to engage in substantive talks.
