Ireland is bracing for the largest strike in the state since the financial crash, after a weekend without contact between the Government and public sector unions left Wednesday's stoppage all but certain and up to 150,000 medical appointments facing cancellation.
The HSE confirmed on Sunday night that it is planning for the cancellation of all non-urgent healthcare services across hospitals and community settings on Wednesday 14 October, covering routine hospital procedures, outpatient appointments, day services and primary care clinics. Healthcare teams have begun contacting affected patients directly, and all appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Emergency cover only
Emergency departments, ambulance services and other critical, time-sensitive care, including urgent cancer treatment, will continue to operate. Administrative services will also be affected by the work stoppage, which unions expect to draw more than 300,000 health, education and public service workers onto picket lines. Schools will close, and the Dail will not sit, because ushers and other Oireachtas staff are themselves members of the striking unions.
Government Buildings is expected to contact unions again on Monday to restate its position and repeat the invitation to talks, but neither side engaged over the weekend, and no progress has been made towards clearing the impasse that has blocked negotiations over pay. Public servants have been working to rule since 30 September.
Wednesday's Strike at a Glance
- Up to 150,000 medical appointments will be cancelled on Wednesday 14 October as the HSE suspends non-urgent care.
- Schools will close and the Dail will not sit, with more than 300,000 public sector workers on strike.
- Emergency departments, ambulances and urgent cancer treatment will continue.
- A second strike day is planned for Wednesday 21 October if the pay dispute is not resolved.
- Public servants have been working to rule since 30 September.
Political pressure builds
Higher Education Minister James Lawless conceded on Sunday that Wednesday's strike "probably will go ahead at this stage", adding that whether a second day of action on Wednesday 21 October follows "remains to be seen". The union leadership, he said, could still call it off.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has refused to say whether he will cross a picket line next week, and has suggested there should be a derogation for staff in Dail Eireann, an idea the unions have shown no enthusiasm for. ASTI members began their own action on Monday, joining secondary school teachers, higher education lecturers and members of the Teachers' Union of Ireland already working to rule.
The dispute is being fought against a backdrop of rising prices, with inflation at a two-year high and energy bills climbing. Unions say pay offers have failed to keep pace with the cost of living; ministers warn that meeting the claim in full would blow a hole in the public finances barely a week after a record budget. For 150,000 patients, and for parents across the country, the only question that matters now is whether anyone picks up the phone before Wednesday morning.