Members of the INMO will not work any additional unpaid hours

Over 100,000 public sector workers begin work-to-rule

by · RTE.ie

Over 100,000 public sector workers in areas such as health, education and local authorities are beginning industrial action today in the form of a work-to-rule.

Nurses, civil servants and school staff are among those taking part in the action over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said the work-to-rule means that its members in the public health service will perform only duties and responsibilities necessary for safe patient care during their rostered hours.

"INMO members will not work any additional unpaid hours," the union said.

"They will not attend non-clinical meetings, except where attendance is strictly necessary for direct patient care," the INMO added.

The action will also involve Fórsa, the country's largest public sector union, and will see special needs assistants, health workers, civil servants and local authority employees refuse to do additional work outside of their normal duties.

Teachers are among those also engaged in the industrial action

SIPTU members in health and local authorities are also engaging in work-to-rules today.

Other public sector unions will commence industrial action over the coming days ahead of two planned strikes next month on 14 and 21 October.

Public sector unions have accused the Government of failing to make a meaningful offer on pay.

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

The Department of Public Expenditure said unions and representative associations have made a decision to move to industrial action rather than engaging in substantive talks.

"It is deeply unfair on the general public for there to be significant disruption to their daily lives because unions are unwilling to sit down and engage constructively on a new agreement," a spokesperson said.

"Officials remain ready and willing to engage and that should happen without any further delay."

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