Reflecting on last week’s SIPTU Health Division Conference, one thing is clear: our members, shop stewards, and activists have been working tirelessly to defend and improve working conditions for tens of thousands across Ireland’s health services. Their dedication is inspiring, but the fight is far from over.
The past year has seen significant battles, and hard-fought wins. Section 39 workers, who provide essential care to some of our most vulnerable communities, have been denied fair pay and funding for 15 years, while privatisation threatens the very existence of these vital services.
Despite this, our Health Division secured two critical Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreements in 2023 and 2025. Yet, as I warned at our 2023 Biennial Conference, the Government has already tried to backtrack. Shamefully, they did.
But we will not relent. I urge all Section 39 and Funded Agency members to stand united, strengthen our union, and prepare for further industrial action if needed. Thanks to our collective efforts, particularly our shop stewards and activists, we now have a landmark agreement out for ballot.
SIPTU has sanctioned over 50 industrial ballots in the Health Division alone. Our members are standing firm, and our union will continue to have their backs every step of the way.
At this conference, we debated critical motions, from protecting public sector jobs to securing increased funding for services. These discussions are not just talk; they are the foundation of real progress for workers.
The new Public Service Agreement (2024-2026) was overwhelmingly accepted by over 90% of SIPTU’s 60,000+ public service members.
As a lead negotiator, I can confirm this deal delivers:
- A 9.25% pay increase, prioritising lower and middle-income earners, many of whom are women.
- Protections against outsourcing, defending jobs from privatisation.
- Local bargaining mechanisms to address grade-specific issues.
This is your agreement, and I pledge to work with you to ensure its full implementation—and to consult ahead of 2026 negotiations.
We are at a crossroads, not just for workers, but for Ireland and the world. While billionaires double their wealth, 5 billion people grow poorer.
Meanwhile, Trump’s tariffs threaten our economy, and the horrors in Palestine demand our unwavering solidarity.
SIPTU’s mission remains clear:
- Win collective bargaining rights; still denied to Irish workers.
- Fight for housing as a constitutional right, not a commodity.
- Defend and expand public services; the backbone of a fair society.
The coming years will test us. But if we don’t act, others will fill the void, with division, racism, and fear. We must stand together.
- For decent work.
- For homes, not profits.
- For public services that serve people.
The time for hope and action is now.
This Sunday Read was written by SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, John King