Fórsa local authority workers to take industrial action

Local authority workers, who are members of the Fórsa trade union, are to take industrial action later this month over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.

The action will begin on Wednesday 30 September and will initially take the form of a work-to-rule, with staff working strictly to contract terms and rosters, as well as withdrawing cooperation with new work practices.

"Our members have responded to the Government's failure to grasp the core issue on a new public service pay agreement," said Fórsa National Secretary Richy Carrothers.

"In its failure to address pay issues at the commencement of talks, the Government has made this industrial action inevitable," Mr Carrothers said.

Earlier, it was announced that primary school teachers, who are members of the INTO, are to begin industrial action next month over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.

The previous deal expired on 30 June, and formal talks have yet to begin on a successor agreement.

Public sector unions have accused the Government of failing to make a meaningful offer on pay and are planning to take strike action on 14 October.

The Department of Public Expenditure said it is disappointing that unions have not taken the opportunity to engage in recent weeks.

"It is important that both sides return to the table to work towards a public service pay agreement," a spokesperson said.

"Meaningful progress can only be achieved where both parties are open to constructive and sustained engagement, without preconditions on either side," it added.