Craft workers in the public sector, who provide services in areas such as electrical and plumbing, are to take industrial action later this month in a dispute over pay.
The workers are represented by the Public Sector Craft Group of Unions (PSCGOU), which is made up of Connect, Unite, SIPTU, BATU and OPTASI.
According to the unions, craft worker in the public sector have significantly lower earnings compared with their private sector colleagues.
“A recent independent review of craft pay found that workers in the public sector were paid, on average, €4.40 less per hour than their colleagues in the private sector,” said Connect Public Service Official, Brian McAvinue.
“In recent weeks we have balloted our members throughout the public service, with a resounding vote in favour of industrial action, up to and including strike action.”
“These workers provide vital electrical, plumbing and other essential craft skills throughout our health, local authority and governmental services,” Mr McAvinue said.
The nature and timing of the industrial action will be determined by the PSCGOU National Strike Committee, and the action could begin as soon as 28 September.
“Unions have exhausted all avenues in trying to resolve this dispute,” said Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey.
“Our members have been left with no choice but to take industrial action to defend their living standards,” Mr Drummey said.
Local Bargaining
A spokesperson for the Department of Public Expenditure said both sides have engaged on a number of occasions in relation to this matter.
“Where cost increasing claims of this nature arise, the Local Bargaining mechanism agreed as part of the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 remains in place to address them,” the department said.
“Management have always been clear that they have been, and remain, available to discuss this claim under Local Bargaining,” it added.