Major public sector strike called off as last minute deal averts nationwide disruption

A nationwide public sector strike planned for tomorrow, Thursday, November 12, has been called off following a breakthrough in overnight negotiations between the Government and trade unions.

The 24-hour stoppage, which was expected to involve more than 300,000 public sector workers, has been suspended after both sides reached agreement on a new pay deal in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The development means widespread disruption to schools, hospitals and other essential public services is expected to be avoided.

The proposed deal will deliver pay increases totalling 10.75% over two years and nine months, running until March 2029.

What does the new pay deal include?

Under the proposed agreement, public sector workers will receive a series of pay increases over the coming years.

The package includes an initial 2% increase, or a minimum payment of €1,200, backdated to September 1, 2026.

Further increases are scheduled throughout 2027 and 2028, with additional provisions aimed at benefiting lower-paid workers.

Some workers could receive increases of more than 18% over the lifetime of the agreement, depending on their salary.

The agreement also includes provisions for local bargaining, allowing pay issues affecting particular grades and roles to be addressed.

However, the deal has not yet been formally accepted by union members and will be put to ballots in the coming weeks.

Thursday's planned strike had threatened significant disruption across Ireland, with schools, hospitals, government offices and other public services facing closures or reduced operations.

The HSE had been preparing to cancel non-urgent healthcare services, including outpatient appointments, routine procedures and community healthcare appointments.

The strike was also scheduled to coincide with a major European Political Community summit in Dublin, attended by dozens of international leaders.

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has welcomed the proposed agreement, describing it as financially sustainable while providing greater certainty for public sector employees and the wider public.

The Minister said the agreement would also support reform and modernisation across public services.

Tánaiste Simon Harris also welcomed the breakthrough, saying the agreement would deliver improved pay for public servants while supporting the continued delivery of essential services.

The deal follows weeks of difficult negotiations between unions and the Government, after an earlier pay offer was rejected.

More than 300,000 public sector employees participated in a nationwide strike last month as part of the ongoing dispute.

Union executives will now examine the full terms of the proposed agreement before members are asked to vote on whether to accept it.