Waterford Sinn Féin TD says huge public support for striking workers must translate into a deal that protects living standards
Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor D. McGuinness has called on the Government to ensure that pay is the priority in renewed negotiations with public sector unions, following strike action this week and the suspension of a further planned strike day pending talks.
McGuinness said the Government had allowed the dispute to escalate before belatedly beginning talks, despite the clear strength of feeling among workers and the widespread public support for their demands.
Speaking in the Dáil, McGuinness directly challenged Minister Jack Chambers over the handling of the dispute, calling for the Taoiseach to intervene if necessary to ensure meaningful engagement with the unions.
“The one-day strike demonstrated two things very clearly: the strength of workers’ resolve and the enormous public support they enjoy.
“I visited picket lines across Waterford city and county and spoke with council workers, librarians, community workers, hospital staff, nurses, paramedics, care workers, teachers, SNAs, school secretaries and caretakers.
“None of these workers wanted to be on strike. They want to be at work, delivering the services that people depend on. But dedication to their jobs does not pay the bills, and commitment cannot compensate for wages being eaten away by the cost of living.
“The unions have made their position clear. They are prepared to negotiate, but pay must be the priority and any agreement must protect workers’ living standards.
“Government allowed this dispute to reach this point. It is welcome that talks are now underway and that the next planned strike day has been suspended pending those talks. But that is an opportunity to resolve the dispute, not a reason to delay further.
“Minister Jack Chambers must engage constructively with the unions. The Taoiseach must ensure that happens, even if that means intervening directly. Workers deserve fair pay, respect and a Government prepared to listen.”
McGuinness said the Government must now use the renewed talks to reach a fair agreement and avoid further disruption to essential public services.