A winter of discontent appears to be in store.
A scale-back in activity’s been evident in a number of sectors in recent weeks, including yesterday’s lunchtime protests by the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation.
Next week however, we’re set to see a ramping up of industrial action with more than 300,000 public sector workers due to strike on Wednesday, 14th Oct with a second date of 21st Oct also mooted for similar.
This will impact a variety of services including education with the INTO and ASTI members at picket lines, while prison officers too are among those due out as well.
While the Government insists that it’s willing to engage with the unions, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions believes that Budget 2027 failed to move the dial when it came to adequately addressing the cost of living issues faced by its members.
KCLR News’ Dermot Keyes spoke to people on local streets about the prospect of worker upheaval over the coming weeks and months – stay tuned to hear those voices in our main morning News at 9am.
Meanwhile, with the INMO members to be joined in next week’s action by colleagues in Fórsa and SIPTU the HSE has issued the following statement to KCLR News;
HSE Statement
“It is expected that there will be significant and widespread disruption to many HSE services, on Wednesday, 14 October due to public sector work stoppages.
The HSE is currently planning for the cancellation of all non-urgent healthcare services across hospitals and community settings on Wednesday, 14 October. This includes routine hospital procedures, outpatient appointments, community based services, such as day services, clinics in primary care services and other scheduled care services. HSE administrative services will also be impacted by this work stoppage on 14 October.
Healthcare teams have now begun to contact affected patients directly. All appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Emergency departments, ambulance services (curtailed service) and other critical, time-sensitive healthcare services, such as urgent cancer treatment and dialysis, will continue. People requiring urgent medical attention should not delay seeking care and dial 999 or 112 or attend their nearest Emergency Department.
GPs, GP out-of-hours and pharmacists remain available in the community.
Engagement on contingency arrangements is ongoing with health sector unions to develop a more complete understanding of what can continue to be delivered next Wednesday. Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
The HSE regrets the inconvenience caused to patients and their families and is grateful for people’s patience and understanding during this time.”
