October 12th, 2026

The Workers Party has called for solidarity with public service workers striking on Wednesday, 14th October, warning that Government wage suppression threatens living standards across the working class. 

John O’Rourke, spokesperson for the Workers Party Dublin Region, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is one struggle for public and private sector workers. A Government that protects corporate interests while asking workers to absorb rising costs must be challenged by organised labour.

“Workers did not create the housing crisis or decide to leave essential services dependent on private profit. Yet they are expected to pay for these failures through higher bills and wages that buy less.

“The figures expose the pressure on working people. Average weekly earnings increased by 3.9% in the private sector compared with 3.2% in the public sector in the year to the second quarter of 2026. Consumer prices rose by 3.7% in the year to August, while housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased by 8.5%.

“The public service pay agreement expired in June. Workers cannot be expected to endure prolonged negotiations while their living standards deteriorate. The Government must commit to restoring lost purchasing power and providing a basis for meaningful pay talks.

“Holding down public sector wages also gives private employers a benchmark for resisting pay claims. Every worker has an interest in defeating this approach. Public and private sector workers must stand together against attempts to make them compete over who should accept less.

“The Budget has failed to confront the structural causes of this crisis. Tax giveaways cannot replace public housing, affordable energy or properly funded healthcare. Essential services must meet social needs, with investment in direct public provision and the workers who deliver it.

“Trade unions must lead the fight for economic justice. We cannot leave sectional interests with financial muscle to shape our economy and dictate Government policy. Workers must organise, marshal their collective strength and use their power to withdraw their labour to demand an economy and society shaped around their interests.”

Mr O’Rourke added: “More than 300,000 public service workers are due to strike on 14th October. The Workers Party calls on private sector workers and communities to support them.

“This strike is a defence of wages and a demand for economic power. The Government must answer to workers, whose labour keeps the whole country functioning. Working people create society’s wealth. Through solidarity and collective action, they must demand that it serves their needs.”