News Archive
SIPTU member’s encounter with Taoiseach brings the spotlight on carers’ pay
The long-running dispute concerning pay for Section 39 and other voluntary sector workers came under the spotlight in the last days of the election after an encounter between a SIPTU member and Taoiseach Simon Harris in Kanturk, County Cork on 22nd November. The...
SIPTU ambulance members vote for industrial action
Around 2000 SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service across the country voted overwhelmingly for industrial action, up to and including strike action.
Countdown to SIPTU Trade Union Week
The Health Division is calling on all Shop Stewards and activists to get involved in the 2026 Better in a Trade Union week, which runs from Monday, 27th April to Monday, 4th May. We are all proud to be members of the trade union movement and this initiative gives us a...
Paramedic graduates win deal securing permanent contracts
SIPTU representatives last month welcomed a resolution of a dispute affecting 70 graduate paramedics who will be offered permanent contracts in the National Ambulance Service (NAS). This dispute was concluded following engagement between unions and HSE management on...
Pay increase for Valentia Community Hospital members
SIPTU members in Valentia Community Hospital received an 8.25% pay increase from 1st February, following negotiations between SIPTU representatives and the Hospital’s Board of Management. Members in the hospital were previously classified as Section 39 workers,...
Learn with SIPTU: Training day for ID Care members
Members from the Intellectual Disability (ID) Sector gathered for a dynamic training day in Tullamore on 26th February. The day aimed to assist our members in mapping out workplaces to assist in increasing density and union membership in their areas and improving...
Support Sector secures date with WRC over Job Evaluation Scheme
The Support Sector Committee has secured a date later this month with the Workplace Relations Committee to re-engage on its outstanding concerns regarding the Job Evaluation Scheme.
Divisional Head Kevin Figgis’s Monthly Update
Last month, we held our 2026 AGMs across our six sectors, which are representative of our 42,000 members in health. The message we have received is very clear. Our members are demanding a strong successor Public Service Agreement that ultimately delivers real pay...
‘Risk, extreme pressure and trauma’ nursing home workers’ pandemic experiences
A submission to the government-appointed independent review of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic was presented by Divisional Head Kevin Figgis at the Care Sector Annual General Meeting (AGM) last month. SIPTU's submission examined nursing home workers' experiences...
Our Union was central to the Easter Rising
By the Spring of 1916, Liberty Hall had become a bastion of opposition to British rule. The banner on the building since late 1914 stated that; ‘We Serve Neither King Not Kaiser But Ireland’.
SIPTU focuses on job security at North Cork Creameries following Carbery Group agreement
SIPTU representatives at North Cork Creameries have confirmed that their primary focus is ensuring job security and employment continuity following an announcement yesterday (2nd April 2026) that the Co-Op has reached a commercial agreement with the Carbery Group to...
Unfurling the Starry Plough
During Easter week, the standard of the Irish Citizen Army (ICA), the Starry Plough, flew over the Imperial Hotel (former Clerys building) on O’Connell Street. In this Sunday Read we explore its origins.
SIPTU calls out employers as childcare crisis deepens
SIPTU has warned that up to €45 million in ring-fenced state funding for early years pay is at risk following the continued refusal of employers’ groups to enter pay talks with the Union.
SIPTU demands halt to hospitality VAT break to fund cost-of-living relief for workers
SIPTU has called on Government to halt the planned reinstatement of the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sectors and invest in targeted electricity credits for low to average-income households.
SIPTU ambulance workers’ survey reveals lack of confidence in HSE to address welfare issues
A survey of SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service has found 78% of respondents express a lack of confidence in the HSE’s ability to adequately address welfare and health and safety issues.
Union access, legal limits and IR convergence to the fore at the IRN Conference
How is collective bargaining faring in Ireland? What does the State’s new Action Plan for promoting collective bargaining mean to practitioners? To read more about this click here.
SIPTU General Secretary warns cost-of-living crisis will impact wage negotiations
SIPTU General Secretary, John King, has warned that the added cost-of-living increases, resulting from the crisis in the Middle East, will mean additional pressure for wage increases in negotiations.
Irish Equity celebrates Jessie Buckley’s historic Oscar awards win
Irish Equity, which represents performers and creative workers across Ireland, hailed Jessie Buckley’s historic Oscar win, which will act as an inspiration to a new generation of Irish performers.
Leading political, trade union, academic and other voices call for end to siege on Cuba
We are calling on the Irish government to urgently intervene with the EU and the US administrations to immediately lift the illegal blockade of Cuba.
SIPTU’s Kevin Figgis urges commitment to universal high-quality public services
SIPTU’s Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, is urging the Government to commit to providing high-quality universal public services following the adoption of a resolution by the EPSU.
Healthcare unions express concern about AI policy
The ICTU Group of Healthcare Unions has stated that any integration of AI into the health service must be done in consultation with the human backbone of the health service – its workers.
SIPTU calls for action on safe staffing following UHL site purchase announcement
SIPTU has given a cautious welcome to the statement by Minister for Health confirming the purchase of a site near University Hospital Limerick (UHL) to support the future provision of healthcare services
SIPTU welcomes decision to offer contracts to graduate paramedics
SIPTU representatives have welcomed a resolution of a dispute affecting 70 graduate paramedics who will now be offered permanent contracts in the National Ambulance Service.
SIPTU seeks urgent North Cork Creameries meeting on jobs threat
SIPTU representatives are seeking an urgent meeting with senior management at North Cork Creameries, following an announcement last week that the company is proposing to enter a redundancy process
Looking ahead to a significant year for many
This year is pivotal, as it marks the end of the Public Sector Pay agreement and the potential for future pay talks later this year. Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis outlines his Division’s priorities for 2026.
SIPTU says venue support scheme is inadequate support for Night-Time Economy
SIPTU representatives say the Government’s new Grassroots Venue Support Scheme the latest support package for the night-time economy, falls drastically short of the investment required
SIPTU members in Dublin Home Care provider vote for strike action
SIPTU members working in Blanchardstown and Inner City Home Care have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action over pay inequality in a ballot result released today.
SIPTU warns of ‘race to the bottom’ as union challenges ‘EU Inc.’ deregulation plans
SIPTU has issued a stark warning regarding the proposed new pan-European “28th company/EU Inc. regime,” stating it risks dismantling decades of hard-won workers’ rights and labour standards in Ireland.
SIPTU calls on HSE to address dispute over radiographer tutor retention crisis
SIPTU representatives have urged the HSE to take immediate action to resolve a dispute arising from a recruitment and retention crisis affecting Clinical Practice Tutors in Radiography.
SIPTU to play key role in HSE Pay and Number Strategy talks
SIPTU will be a key participant in this year's Pay and Number Strategy talks with the HSE after claims that it was in breach of a staffing agreement across grades. This comes after the HSE was taken to the Labour Court for failing to engage and consult on a workforce...
Caredoc members end dispute after accepting SIPTU-secured proposals
Caredoc members voted to accept proposals secured by the Union, bringing an end to their pay dispute.The agreement granted a retroactive 8% pay increase to all members, which they overwhelmingly approved and was implemented for staff in January. Members had engaged in...
Long-running ID sector dispute resolved after members vote in favour of proposals
A long-running dispute involving 16 Intellectual Disability Instructors employed in St. John of God Services in County Kerry has been resolved after members voted, in February, in favour of proposals agreed at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The dispute...
Major wins nationwide for HSE Health Care Assistants in Home Support
Strikes were called off around the country after an agreement was finally reached between the HSE and Home Support Health Care Assistants (HCAs) on key issues, including underpayments, rostering, and working conditions for these critical frontline staff. As a result...
Pay increase for HSE workers starts 1st February 2026
Members in the HSE and section 38 employments will receive an increase in annualised basic salary of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, from 1st February 2026. We are expecting to receive confirmation from the HSE on the actual pay dates when the increase will be...
National Ambulance Service members to ballot for industrial action in salary dispute
SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) are balloting for industrial action over the failure to implement recommendations of a 2020 Independent report (sometimes referred to as the Roles and Responsibilities Review), which addressed updating salary...
SIPTU host urgent political discussion on public broadcasting
SIPTU members in RTÉ held an urgent political briefing regarding the escalating crisis in public service broadcasting. The meeting followed a recent 89% vote of no confidence by members in ‘New Direction’
Sunday Read: You need your Union in this crazy world
A union provides not only protection in the workplace, but also a collective voice in shaping how employers and governments respond to uncertainty. In uncertain times, union membership is essential.
Workers will put humanity before football points in Israel match crisis
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Greg Ennis, has reiterated his Union’s call on the Government and FAI to boycott the proposed Ireland vs Israel Nations League matches.
National Ambulance Service dispute intensifies following student jobs decision
SIPTU members are urging the HSE’s National Ambulance Service to reverse its decision not to offer student paramedics full-time contracts following graduation.
Union recognition secured at Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore
Union recognition has been secured for SIPTU members in Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore, following a campaign of industrial action which received widespread community support.
SIPTU battle to protect manufacturing jobs in Abbeyfeale, Newbridge and Newry
SIPTU representatives have expressed deep shock and anger following redundancy announcements at the Kostal plant in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, Newbridge Silverware, and Glen Dimplex in Newry. The Union has moved immediately to support affected workers, many of whom...
Significant pay gains secured across manufacturing employments
The Manufacturing Division has kicked off 2026 with a wave of successful pay agreements, securing vital wage increases and improved conditions for thousands of workers across the Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, and Food manufacturing sectors.
You need your Union in this crazy world
“The whole world is in a terrible state of chassis”, is Captain Jack Boyle’s famous declaration at the end of Juno and the Paycock, written by the famous playwright and early member of our Union, Seán O’Casey.
An affordability led model is the way out of the housing crisis
Something is badly broken in Waterford’s housing market, and the numbers make for stark reading. In this week’s Sunday Read we analyse the latest SIPTU research and chart a way out of the housing crisis.
National Ambulance Service to ballot for industrial action in salary scales dispute
SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) are balloting for industrial action in a dispute with management resulting from a failure to implement the recommendations of an independent report on updating staff salary scales in recognition of changes in their...
Donegal HSE Home Support HCAs secure overtime payments
Health Care Assistants in the HSE Home Support Service in County Donegal have secured back payment of overtime owed since 2018 after a threat of industrial action
Nationwide Health Care Assistants’ strikes suspended
SIPTU has suspended all planned Health Care Assistant strikes in the Northwest, West and South regions following agreement with the HSE on key issues regarding underpayments and conditions
SIPTU members vote no confidence in RTÉ management plan
SIPTU members employed in RTÉ have voted overwhelmingly to reject a management plan that will result in the endless outsourcing of jobs at the national broadcaster.
SIPTU FAI members say safety concerns should rule out Israel fixtures
SIPTU members employed by the FAI have raised serious safety concerns regarding any proposed Nations League match between Ireland and Israel, calling on the organisation to show consistency.
SIPTU Donegal HSE Health Care Assistants’ industrial action postponed pending talks
A 24-hour strike involving Health Care Assistants in Home Support in Donegal, has been suspended after progress was made between SIPTU and the HSE regarding key dispute issues.
Joint Statement by Together for Early Years
As provider and employee representatives across both private and community Early Years services, we would like to express our serious concerns over the proposed judicial review of the Early Years Employment Regulation Order (ERO), which establishes legally binding...
SIPTU and Sofina Foods confirm union recognition at Carroll’s Cuisine
SIPTU and Sofina Foods have jointly confirmed the formal recognition of SIPTU as the representative trade union for employees at the Carroll’s Cuisine site in Tullamore, County Offaly.
Gentleman Jim I knew and loved
In this special Bank Holiday Monday Read Jim Larkin’s late granddaughter Stella Larkin McConnon recalls a gentle giant driven by a passion to fight injustice.
In the Face of the Billionaires’ Revolution, We Must Rise
A silent coup by a billionaire elite is rolling back hard-won progress, exacerbating inequality, and hollowing out democracy. Larkin’s ‘Divine Gospel of Discontent’ is not an artefact, but an urgent manifesto.
SIPTU commits to protecting jobs at Glen Dimplex after redundancy threat
SIPTU representatives have committed to saving the high-quality employment provided by Glen Dimplex at its manufacturing plant in Newry following a proposed 51 redundancies in the facility.
National protocol and fair pay for extreme weather work needed
As Storm Chandra continues to batter Ireland with heavy rain, high winds, and flooding, resulting in travel disruption and power outages, SIPTU has renewed its call for a binding national protocol.
HSE Home Support HCAs announce regional strike action dates
SIPTU members working as Health Care Assistants in the HSE Home Support Service across counties Donegal, Clare, Limerick, Cork and Kerry will engage in strike action during February.
SIPTU to meet Newbridge Silverware management following redundancy threat
SIPTU representatives will meet with management at Newbridge Silverware today to discuss its threat to make up to 11 workers redundant at its manufacturing plant in Newbridge, County Kildare.
Caredoc workers accept pay proposal ending threat of further industrial action
SIPTU members employed by Caredoc have voted to accept a pay proposal in a ballot counted which brings to an end a pay dispute involving support staff employed by the out of hours GP service.
Home Support workers vote for strike action
SIPTU members working as Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in the HSE Home Support Services have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.
SIPTU to work to minimise any compulsory redundancies at KOSTAL plant
SIPTU representatives will meet with the management of the KOSTAL manufacturing plant to minimise any compulsory redundancies arising from the company’s decision to move production overseas.
Affordable Housing, Affordable Living
The SIPTU Policy Research Unit and SIPTU Construction Sector launched a new briefing document entitled Affordable Housing, Affordable Living at the Union’s Biennial Delegate Conference in November 2025. The briefing document analyses Budget 2026, which delivered over...
What union-agreed pay rises SIPTU members should see in 2026
If you’re working in construction, there are clear, dated pay increases already set down for 2026 through the legally binding Sectoral Employment Orders (SEOs) that set the “union rate” across the industry. Construction (SEO – legally enforceable floor) Under the...
Dublin MetroLink project must respect workers’ rights
SIPTU has called on the Government to honour a commitment to present legislation to tackle the practice of paying apprentices less than the national minimum wage.
Government must honour commitment on apprentice pay rates
SIPTU has called on the Government to honour a commitment to present legislation to tackle the practice of paying apprentices less than the national minimum wage, in order to combat youth poverty and ensure there are enough skilled workers to carry out major state...
Government must honour commitment on apprentice pay
SIPTU has called on the Government to honour a commitment to present legalisation to tackle the practice of paying apprentices less than the national minimum wage, in order to combat youth poverty
SIPTU Caredoc members defer industrial action to consider pay proposals
SIPTU members employed by Caredoc have agreed to defer further industrial action until they have fully considered new pay proposals.
SIPTU Health: Covid-19 Nursing Home Survey
This confidential survey is to hear about your experience of working in a nursing homes during the pandemic and how Government measures affected you, your workplace, and residents.
SIPTU Members at Caredoc Begin 24-Hour Work Stoppage Over Unpaid WRC Pay Increase
Today 120 SIPTU members employed by Caredoc across the south east region of the country engaged in 24 hour work stoppage arising from the failure of management to apply an 8% pay increase due under a WRC agreement from October 2023. Members employed as...
SIPTU welcomes €45 million investment to pay for childcare workers
SIPTU members have welcomed the announcement of a €45 million investment to improve the pay of Early Years Educators in 2026 by Minister for Children, Norma Foley.
Why 2026 Matters – Public Sector Pay Talks
Over the coming weeks, SIPTU will begin a structured engagement process with our members in the public service ahead of potential pay talks in 2026. Get involved.
Do no harm by Omar Barghouti
A special Sunday Read outlining not only the stark reality of Palestinian suffering but also a clear, principled path for collective action towards freedom, justice, and equality.
Non-EEA permit holders pay floor must apply to all workers
SIPTU has called on the Government to ensure that all workers in low paid industries benefit from a new floor on annual salaries for holders of non-EEA employment permits
Family Reunification policy is a direct attack on workers’ rights
SIPTU has today condemned the Government’s newly published Family Reunification policy, calling it a direct attack on workers’ rights and the dignity of essential workers.
Caredoc employees announce dispute over pay
SIPTU and INMO members employed at Caredoc facilities have announced their intention to commence strike action effective from December 18th.
Day of Action for Palestine on Friday, 28th November
Around the country, SIPTU members will participate in a Day of Action to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and workers on Friday 28th November. Members are being encouraged to organise actions in their workplaces or off-site in response to a call by the...
Community workers commit to uniting to defend vital services at Galway meeting
More than 100 community sector workers, activists and service users from across County Galway gathered on 6th November in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry, for a major public meeting under the banner “Together, We Are Community”. The event brought together...
Carroll’s Cuisine strike action suspended as management agree to talks
Strike action at Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore, County Offaly, has been suspended following management’s agreement to enter negotiations with union representatives this week. These talks aim to secure a collective agreement that will deliver improvements in pay and...
Employers warned that refusal to collectively bargain will result in action
SIPTU will engage in industrial action whenever and wherever across the private sector in order to secure for workers their right to collectively bargain, SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Greg Ennis, told the Biennial Delegate Conference. He said: “Private sector...
General Secretary Designate calls for renewal of trade union activism
SIPTU General Secretary Designate, John King, has called for “a renewal of trade union activism” and urged Union members to “reclaim lost ground, to rebuild, to renew, to recapture the hearts and minds of working people”. At the Biennial Delegate Conference, King told...
National Action Plan on Collective Bargaining a potential game-changer
The publication of the National Action Plan on Collective Bargaining is a “potential game-changer” according to Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley.
Successful Biennial Delegate Conference sees dawn of new era for Union
A forward-looking set of motions, aimed at strengthening workers’ rights, expanding public services and delivering greater equality, were passed at a highly successful SIPTU BDC in Galway.
Further work stoppages at Carroll’s Cuisine following failure to engage with Union
SIPTU members employed at Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore, County Offaly, will undertake two additional 12-hour work stoppages on Friday (21st November) and Saturday (22nd November).
SIPTU to commence industrial action at Carroll Cuisine and warns of FAI strike
We will continue our campaign to conclude the unfinished business of Connolly and Larkin, as right was, is and will always be on our side and the side of all working people.
SIPTU welcomes ECJ ruling on Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages
SIPTU representatives have welcomed a ruling from the European Court of Justice putting the validity of the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages beyond all doubt.
SIPTU General Secretary Elect calls for renewal of trade union activism
SIPTU General Secretary Elect, John King, has called for “a renewal of trade union activism” and urged Union’s members to recapture the hearts and minds of working people
Action Plan on Collective Bargaining a potential game-changer
SIPTU has called the publication of the Government’s National Action Plan on Collective Bargaining a “potential game-changer” provided that it is implemented fully and robustly.
Transport workers survey reports increased antisocial behaviour
SIPTU has released findings from a new snapshot survey of transport workers which reports an increase in incidents of antisocial and abusive behaviour across the public transport network.
FAI management launches attack on grassroots football with job cuts plan
SIPTU has rejected FAI managements proposals to make 60 staff redundant, describing the plan as ill-informed and a devastating blow to grassroots football across the country.
SIPTU calls on the Government to support UN motion to end the blockade of Cuba
SIPTU Global Solidarity Committee has urged the Irish Government to support the upcoming resolution at the United Nations General Assembly which calls for the ending of the US blockade of Cuba.
Galway Community Sector to gather to discuss threat to services
Community organisations and workers have announced a major public meeting to discuss the threat to vital services across the county, under the banner Together, We Are Community.
SIPTU members in Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore vote for strike action
The campaign of industrial action will commence with work stoppages from 10am to 2pm. on Friday, 31st October, and Saturday, 1st November. SIPTU members will place pickets during these stoppages.
No cooperation with FAI management forum without union representation
SIPTU members employed by the FAI will not engage with a management forum due to a failure to respect their right to trade union representation.
SIPTU welcomes implementation of 10% pay increase for the Early Years sector
SIPTU representatives have welcomed the announcement of the implementation date of the pay agreement benefiting over 30,000 Early Years professionals. Read more here.
Why the direct engagement model is not working
Remuneration No negotiations on rates of pay commonly results in a lack of pay transparency amongst grades of workers. This can lead to situations where colleagues working side by side carrying out the same role and duties are paid a different rate of pay creating an...
What is a Unionised workplace?
Workers organise themselves into SIPTU to use their individual and collective voice to ensure respect and dignity in the workplace. They also do so in order to create a work environment that is safe and healthy, while also ensuring pay transparency. In a unionised...
Collective Bargaining – what does it mean and how does it work?
Collective Bargaining means a group of workers coming together to discuss matters which relate to their Conditions of employment. In an effort to effectively address these issues workers Organise themselves into a union so they can raise and resolve issues at Local...
Time to Unionise
We are living in a world of increasing uncertainty, geopolitical events such as the Trump administration’s trade policies are the main contributors to this. Workers’ response has been to unionise.
SIPTU calls for a ‘Donogh O’Malley Moment’ in Early Years Education and Care
SIPTU has called on the Government to make a transformational change to the Early Years sector and introduce free secondary education for all.
SIPTU condemns Minister over Bord na Móna sale and demands clarity on CEO repayment
SIPTU has condemned Minister O’Brien for seeking to sign off on the private sale of Bord na Móna Recycling without having met with the workers directly affected.
Ballot of all outdoor staff begins in Clare County Council dispute
Clare County Council staff are being balloted for industrial action as part of a major escalation in a dispute caused by management’s refusal to engage with the State’s dispute resolution system.