Public sector workers begin work-to-rule action across Ireland
Thousands of civil and public service workers across Ireland have begun a 'work-to-rule' campaign today. The industrial action is being led by Fórsa, one of the country’s largest trade unions, as part of a long-running dispute regarding pay and working conditions.
Under a work-to-rule policy, employees will strictly follow the exact terms of their contracts. This means they will not perform any extra duties, such as working overtime or answering emails outside of their official working hours. The union says this action is necessary to highlight the impact of the rising cost of living on public sector staff.
The dispute centers on demands for pay increases that keep pace with inflation. Union representatives argue that current salary levels are not enough to cover the increasing costs of housing, energy, and groceries. They are calling on the government to return to negotiations to find a solution that addresses these financial pressures.
Government officials have expressed concern about the potential disruption to public services. While the action is intended to be peaceful, there are fears that it could lead to delays in administrative tasks and public office operations. Departments across the country are currently assessing how this will affect their day-to-day services.
As the action continues, both the union and the government remain under pressure to reach an agreement. For now, members of the public are advised to expect possible delays when contacting government offices or accessing public services while the dispute remains unresolved.