Public sector unions face criticism from minister over imminent strike

Jack Chambers, the public expenditure minister, condemned union leaders for proceeding with a strike despite not having discussed a new public sector pay deal with the Government. He emphasized that the planned walkout, scheduled for tomorrow, will cause widespread disruption, including school closures and cancelled hospital appointments. According to Chambers, the Government reached out in June to start negotiations, but union leadership walked away and initiated a strike ballot.

He highlighted a recent effort to bring the Irish Congress of Trade Unions' public sector committee under the Workplace Relations Commission as a genuine attempt at dialogue. The minister called the continued refusal to negotiate and the escalation of industrial action unfair to the public. When asked about using funds beyond the €1.2 billion budget allocation, Chambers did not give a direct answer but reiterated the desire for talks.