Fórsa members to ballot in August

Public sector workers are set to vote in ballots on industrial action after talks between trade unions and the Government over pay increases have broken down.

In an email sent to members of Fórsa, seen by the Cork Independent, workers were told they will be sent ballots on 4 August.

They will be asked to vote in favour of taking industrial action for a pay increase to cover July to December 2026, as well as increases to cover 2027 and/or the duration of any proposed agreement.

The vote will also cover the resolution and implementation of Local Bargaining claims, and for no changes to be made to work practices, organisation of work, or organisational structures without the agreement of the union.

“At a time of record budget surpluses, your living standards must be protected. You should be able to afford a home, pay your bills, and to save for the future,” said Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan.

Aside from Fórsa, 18 other unions, including SIPTU and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) will also be balloting their members for industrial action.

The move was first announced at the beginning of July, when the Public Services Committee (PSC) of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), after talks with government failed to agree a basis for talks.