GALLERY: Offaly public sector workers join strike action

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Offaly public sector workers have joined in what is being described as the largest mobilisation of public sector workers in a generation.

Trade unions including FÓRSA, SIPTU, Unite, INMO, Teachers' Union of Ireland, and the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) joined forces today, Wednesday, October 9, on picket lines across the country.

Over the day, members working in hospitals, ambulance services, schools, universities, fire services and State agencies are continuing to take part in the nationwide public service stoppage.

Union members are calling for negotiations with Government to begin for a new pay deal to tackle inflation and the rising cost of living. The previous pay deal expired on June 30 of this year.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent at the HSE National Distribution Centre in Tullamore, SIPTU member Jack Deveraux said people have "lost that sense of trust" in the government.

"We want to be working. Everybody loses out on a days pay, and it is inconvenient for working parents when the schools are closed.

"We want the government to get back to talks and negotiations. The pay deal has been expired since June, so I think this action will continue."

A second day of strike action is scheduled for Wednesday next, October 21, and is expected to go ahead unless a resolution is found before then.