Opposition parties show support for public sector workers on strike

A number of political parties have shown their support for public sector workers who are engaging in 24-hour strike action today in protest over pay.

Social Democrat TD for Dublin North West Rory Hearne criticsed the current government yesterday in the Dáil, saying that "public sector workers are absolutely right to go on strike because you have ignored them."

"You have completely failed ordinary workers."

"In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, nurses, teachers, SNAs, civil and public servants cannot afford to pay for the basics."

 

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A post shared by Rory Hearne (@roryhearne01)

In a post on Instagram, the party stated that they would be at picket lines today showing solidarity with workers across the public sector.

"There is no strength without unity.

"Today, we’ll be standing outside schools, health centres, fire stations, council offices and hospitals in solidarity with every single worker who keeps this country moving.

"Make sure you cheer on/honk/wave as you pass pickets today to show your support.

"Yup the workers."

 

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A post shared by Social Democrats (@social_democrats)

Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit spokesperson for Housing and Finance, also critcised the government's treatment of workers in the Dáil yesterday.

"You fail to acknowledge that the pay increases that they have got over recent years have not kept pace with inflation and with the cost of living crisis.

"You're denying the fact that has led them out to take strike action tomorrow."

 

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A post shared by Richard Boyd Barrett TD (@richardboydbarrett)

Barrett was protesting with public sector workers in Dún Laoghaire today. People Before Profit shared a post on Instagram encouraging people to join strikers across the country.

"Support the pickets and build the strike deeper," the post reads.

"Every worker on this island needs action to tackle the cost of living crisis."

Several Sinn Féin politicans joined the picket lines in solidarity with workers in Dublin today. These included party leader Mary Lou McDonald, TD for Dublin Fingal West Louise O'Reilly, TD for Galway West Mairead O'Farrell, and Sinn Fein's spokesperson for Finance, Pearse Doherty.

In a post on Instagram the party shared their support for the strike.

"Sinn Féin stand shoulder to shoulder with our public sector workers.

"These workers deliver the services we all depend on. They deserve fair pay, respect and a government that listens.

"The message is clear: fair pay and conditions now!"

 

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A post shared by Sinn Féin (@sinn_fein)

Public sector workers are engaging in strike action today because of an ongoing pay dispute between unions and the government.

Irish Nurses and Midwives Association (INMO) President Caroline Gourley shared why nurses and midwives are striking in a statement.

"The cost of living has risen so high that are nurses and midwives cannot keep up.

"We're losing our young graduates, they're going abroad because they can't afford to work here.

"The government needs to take this seriously, mortages are high, childcare is high, groceries are high.

"Everything is increasing except our wages."

 

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A post shared by Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation - INMO (@inmo_irl)

Another strike is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 21, if required.