On 14 October, public sector trade unions in Ireland are striking with more than 300,000 public sector workers, including teachers, nurses and doctors, taking action in the biggest day of national strike action since the aftermath of the 2008 economic crash. The following is a leaflet by Militant Left (CWI Ireland) before the strike. See next week’s Socialist for reports.
Militant Left brings our message of support to our fellow strikers taking part in this magnificent action.
The mass public sector strike marks a decisive turning point for workers in Ireland. We are moving into action to defend our living standards from an out-of-control and chaotic cost-of-living crisis.
Every one of us on the picket line today is part of a much wider labour movement. One based on the collective power of workers.
Collective power
We are using that collective power to say ‘No’ to the erosion of our wages by inflation. We are shouting ‘Stop’ to pointless ‘reforms’ that only lead to more work, more uncertainty and more control over us in our workplaces.
We are sending a blunt message to the government: the days of scapegoating us are over. We are never going back to the days of austerity and the decimation of our incomes and conditions.
The massive votes for strike action reflect the deep anger in Irish society at how the multiple crises in housing, transport and the cost of living are being allowed to get out of control.
Since 2022 there has been a wage standstill across the economy for 90% of workers. This has to end. Inflation for this month is predicted to reach 3.9% – average inflation for 2026 is running at 3.5%.
Even an immediate 3.5% pay rise will not protect living standards. It will just leave us running to stand still! We need more. All workers need more. All this at a time when record profits are being made every single year – €225 billion in 2025 alone.
Our action will prepare us to meet whatever challenges are thrown at us during a very uncertain time. We won’t be made the scapegoats again!
Next steps
It would be a foolish government that thinks it can ignore our demands. But we all know that foolishness is not in short supply with this government!
The €1.2 billion promised in the budget for public sector pay will fund a modest pay increase – but it is not near enough. We can win more. We need to be prepared to act again to defend our living standards.
We should set up joint trade union strike committees to co-ordinate action in every workplace.
This would assist us to continue with our industrial action and escalating to more strike days until the government pays up. We can strike to win!
Build a political voice
Every one of us on strike today knows we can’t trust the parties of the political establishment. They rule for big business and the rich and powerful. What our strike proves is that a new power is rising.
How much more effective would our struggles be if the trade union movement had a political voice?
Militant Left argues for the trade unions to help lead the building of a new party to represent us.
Socialism
By taking the wealth off the billionaires and big business, we can invest in affordable housing, a decent health service and a living wage for all workers. It’s called socialism and it’s worth fighting for.
Militant Left says:
- Escalate strike action if the government doesn’t deliver on pay
- For an inflation-plus pay rise from June 2026. Wages to be ‘inflation-proofed’ for the duration of the next public sector agreement
- Demand a living minimum wage of €20 an hour now!
