AHCPS Cir. 31.2026 Re: Strike Action – Wednesday 14 October 2026 – Important Information for Members
AHCPS CIRCULAR 31.2026
12 October 2026
To: All AHCPS Members
Re: Strike Action – Wednesday 14 October 2026 – Important Information for Members
Dear Member,
As we approach our first day of strike action on Wednesday 14 October, I want to thank members for their continued support and solidarity in our campaign for a fair and acceptable successor to the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026.
The decision to take strike action was not made lightly. Following the breakdown of negotiations, almost 88% of AHCPS members who voted supported industrial action, up to and including strike action.
The Association has also formally served notice of a further 24-hour strike on Wednesday 21 October 2026.
We fully appreciate that this action will cause inconvenience to you, your families and members of the general public. We regret that disruption, but believe that collective action is necessary to secure meaningful engagement with Government and a fair pay agreement.
- Wednesday 14 October – A Full 24-Hour Withdrawal of Labour
The strike will commence at 12.00 midnight at the beginning of Wednesday 14 October and conclude at 12.00 midnight at the end of that day.
All AHCPS members must withdraw their labour for the full 24-hour period, except where an agreed exemption or derogation applies.
Members participating in the strike must not:
- Attend their workplace to undertake work.
- Work from home or any other remote location.
- Access work emails, systems or applications.
- Answer work-related telephone calls or respond to work-related messages.
- Undertake any work duties during the strike period.
Working from home is not an alternative to participating in the strike. Members who undertake work, whether in the office or remotely, will be undermining the collective action authorised by their fellow members.
The Association expects all members to respect the overwhelming democratic mandate for industrial action. Any decision by a member to disregard the Association’s instruction and undertake work during the strike will be regarded as a serious matter.
- Media Guidance for Members on Picket Lines
There is likely to be considerable media interest in Wednesday’s strike. The following guidance is intended to assist members who may be approached by journalists or members of the public.
You are under no obligation to speak to the media. If you choose to comment
Please remember to:
- Focus on fair pay, meaningful engagement and a negotiated resolution.
- Keep your comments brief, clear and courteous.
- Speak only on your own behalf as an AHCPS member.
- Avoid speculation about negotiations or the positions of other unions.
- Avoid discussing individual colleagues, confidential work matters or personal cases.
- Remain calm and professional, even when faced with challenging questions.
Background Information for Members
- The Public Service Agreement 2024–2026 expired on 30 June 2026, and negotiations on a successor agreement broke down on 3 July.
- Almost 88% of AHCPS members who voted supported industrial action.
- Annual CPI inflation for September 2026 was 4.1%, while public servants received a 2% pay increase in 2026.
- Budget 2027 included €1.2 billion for public service pay, which public service unions consider insufficient to deliver a credible successor agreement.
- AHCPS has served formal notice of a further 24-hour strike on Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Media Enquiries
If you are unsure about a question or prefer not to comment, please refer journalists to the AHCPS office.
Telephone: 01 668 6077 / 01 668 6064
Email: info@ahcps.ie
- Participation in Picket Lines
We strongly encourage all members to participate in picketing on Wednesday. A strong turnout will demonstrate the unity and determination of our membership.
We are not asking members to spend the entire day on a picket line. We appreciate that members have family and other commitments and ask everyone to contribute a reasonable period of time.
You do not have to attend a picket at your own workplace. You are welcome to join an AHCPS picket closer to your home if that is more convenient.
We also appreciate that schools will be closed on Wednesday, creating additional challenges for parents. Please feel free to bring your children along for your picket shift, provided they are appropriately supervised. It may be a good opportunity for them to see trade union solidarity in action!
For details of picket locations and arrangements, please contact info@ahcps.ie.
- Conduct on Picket Lines – Respect for Everyone
All AHCPS pickets must be conducted peacefully, respectfully and professionally.
We ask members to treat everyone with courtesy and respect, including colleagues, members of the public and those attending work on Wednesday.
Some AHCPS members are exempt from industrial action under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme, including those working in Human Resources/Industrial Relations and Buildings/Facilities Management. The Association has also agreed limited derogations in exceptional circumstances.
Members covered by these arrangements may be required to attend work and pass through picket lines. They are doing so with the Association’s agreement and must be treated respectfully.
Similarly, colleagues who are not AHCPS members may attend work on Wednesday. They too must be treated with courtesy and respect.
Members should not engage in intimidation, obstruction, personal criticism or inappropriate behaviour towards anyone entering or leaving a workplace.
Our conduct should reflect the professionalism and dignity of the members we represent.
- Queries and Further Information
For queries about the strike, picket locations, exemptions, derogations or any other aspect of the industrial action, please contact info@ahcps.ie.
A Final Word
Wednesday is an important opportunity to demonstrate the strength and solidarity of our Association.
I ask every member who is not covered by an agreed exemption or derogation to honour the full 24-hour withdrawal of labour and, wherever possible, join colleagues on a picket line.
We recognise the inconvenience involved and greatly appreciate your support.
Together, we can demonstrate our determination to secure meaningful negotiations and a fair pay agreement.
Please ensure that this circular is circulated to all members in your branch. This circular is also available on the website.
Yours sincerely,
Ciaran Rohan
General Secretary
