Circular 35.2026 National Strike by AHCPS members Thursday 12th November 2026

Dear Member

What is going on?

On Monday 2nd November, AHCPS National Executive approved a second national strike of civil and public sector workers that will take place on Thursday 12th November. The strike will involve a 24-hour work stoppage of all AHCPS civil and public service members, alongside members from other civil and public service unions. Rallies will be held across the country in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Letterkenny, Waterford and Tullamore.

What has happened since the strike on 14th October?

Following the first national strike day which took place on Wednesday 14th October, the Taoiseach intervened and a Government Appointed Group was established. That group set out a framework for talks to progress under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. The strike day that was due to take place on Wednesday 21st October was suspended to allow for meaningful talks to take place. Negotiations then took place between Monday 19th October and Friday 30th October. On Friday, 30th October talks were adjourned when a significant impasse was reached.

The WRC then asked the Government Appointed Group to intervene to see if a means to resolution could be found. Since Tuesday, 3rd November, the lead negotiators from both sides have been engaging in this process in an effort to resolve the dispute.

Why did the WRC talks come to an impasse?

Because of the Government’s failure to put forward a credible approach to pay.

While some progress was made on key issues, the Government’s proposal on pay didn’t address the gap between pay and prices that grew from 2021 to 2025, it didn’t adequately address cost of living this year, and it didn’t adequately address projected cost of living increases next year or in 2028.

The Government’s proposal failed to resolve the issues around the local bargaining clause of the last agreement, offered nothing extra for low and middle income earners, and took no account of proposed productivity measures put forward by the Government side.

Was there an offer of 7.75% but the union side rejected it, is that true?

Some media reporting is inaccurate. The pay proposal involved one increase of 1.75% and five 1% increases between November 2026 and October 2028, totalling 6.75%, plus a 1% amount for local bargaining due in 2028.

Union negotiators rejected this offer. It would be cumulatively less than what public sector workers received over the duration of the last agreement. In the last agreement, which lasted 30 months, the pay measures totalled 9.25%. This proposal offers less over the same length of time.

Rather than protecting living standards, such a poor pay offer would lower living standards.

What other issues were discussed?

Public Service Agreements usually contain sections on different issues, including working conditions, pensions, outsourcing and more. Union negotiators have been pushing for commitments to protect remote and hybrid work, to reduce outsourcing, and more. While some progress was made, there are a number of issues that have not been resolved.

Why do we have to strike again?

Government is still refusing to take into account the real impact of the cost of living crisis on civil and public servants. Union negotiators have been fighting for pay increases that reflect the mandate members have given, seeking to protect working conditions and win real pay increases, not ones that will be wiped out by inflation before the ink on an agreement is dry.

Going on strike again will show Government that workers are united and remain determined to achieve a deal that values civil and public service workers and the work they do.

When Government does not value public service workers, it is also failing the people who rely on public services.

What does striking involve?

Strike action means withdrawing labour for the duration of the work stoppage. Members should:

• Not attend work.
• Not work from home.
• Not access work systems.
• Not answer work emails, phone calls or messages.
• Not undertake work duties of any kind.

Will my employer know I’m on strike?

Yes. Employers are formally notified of the industrial action by the union. This is a legal requirement.

What will happen on Thursday 12th November?

A 24-hour work stoppage of all AHCPS civil and public service members. Rallies will be held in:

• Dublin
• Cork
• Limerick
• Galway
• Sligo
• Letterkenny
• Waterford
• Tullamore

The regional locations were selected by the ICTU Public Services Committee to minimise travel times and avoid requiring all members to travel to a single rally in Dublin.

The rallies will take place between 12pm and 2pm. There will be speeches by union representatives, with some rallies also including marches. Further details will be communicated locally.

Why are we being asked to go to a rally instead of attending workplace pickets?

Rallies are a powerful way to demonstrate collective purpose and strength. The union wants members to come together and send a clear message to Government that they remain determined. Large attendances are considered crucial to that message.

Members are being asked to prioritise attending a rally unless they need to remain close to their workplace to provide emergency cover in the event of critical incidents. Those members will be contacted directly by AHCPS.

Will more materials be available?

Members are strongly encouraged to bring any materials they have from the previous strike day. Additional materials and banners will be available on the day.

Will transport be organised?

The AHCPS is not centrally organising any transport.

Can I bring my children to the rally?

Yes. The union recognises that, with schools closed, some members may need to bring children. Some rallies may organise special family areas. Members should ensure children’s safety at all times and may wish to bring signs for them to hold.

I am pregnant, what health and safety arrangements will be in place?

Do not put your health at risk. If travelling to a rally, standing, or marching would pose a risk, you should not do so. Members are encouraged to contact their workplace representative or branch to discuss alternative ways of supporting colleagues.

I am on sick leave, should I attend the rally?

No. If you are unfit for work, you should not attend the workplace or a rally. Nobody is expected to do anything against medical advice or that would put their health at risk.

What should I bring to the rally?

• Appropriate clothing, including comfortable shoes and layers.
• A waterproof jacket if rain is likely.
• Union materials such as placards from the October strike day, if available.

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