Public sector workers are planning to take strike action on two days next month if there is no progress on a new public sector pay deal.

The Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) met today and agreed that there would be work stoppages on 14 and 21 October.

The committee is chaired by Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan and, in an update to his members, he wrote that while several affiliate unions have concluded ballots and have a mandate for action, others are still in the process of completing balloting.

“It was decided that unions would engage in strike action on Wednesday 14 October 2026 with pickets to be placed on workplaces,” Mr Callinan wrote.

“A further strike, if necessary, is also planned,” he added.

In a video message to SIPTU local authority members, Divisional Organiser Brendan O’Brien said his division was issuing notice of industrial action commencing from 30 September.

“In the event that that does not resolve the dispute, we will then escalate this dispute to two 24 hour stoppages, one of which will be on 14 October and the other will be on 21 October,” he said.

Earlier, the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) said its members will begin industrial action in the form of a work-to-rule from 1 October over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.

“The cost-of-living crisis, not only what has been experienced but the uncertainty into the future, is a major factor in this decision and has not been taken lightly,” said PNA General Secretary Peter Hughes.

It was also announced this week that health workers who are members of SIPTU and Fórsa are to commence work-to-rule action from 30 September.

Union members across the public sector are voting for industrial action over what they describe as the Government’s failure to make a meaningful offer on public sector 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 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.