Beginning on the 1st of September and concluding on the 22nd,the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) conducted a secret ballot resulting in 93% of members voting in favour of industrial action. -IFUT Disputes Hub.
As a result of this secret ballot, industrial action initiated on Monday the 5th of October in the form of a one-hour withdrawal from labour between 12 noon and 1pm. In addition to the labour stoppage, a large group of IFUT members were seen marching and chanting "What do we want?", "Fair Pay!". The group finished their march through Maynooth's South campus. They finished by congregating outside the TSI building in which speeches took place from representatives of IFUT where they announced their terms of the dispute according to the IFUT Official Website
"An acceptable pay settlement covering July to December 2026."
“Appropriate pay increases for 2027 and under any successor agreement.",
“Early conclusion and full implementation of outstanding claims under the 3 per cent Local Bargaining Clause.",
"Protection against unilateral changes to work practices, the organisation of work or organisational structures without agreement with the union."-IFUT Official Website
On Wednesday the 14th of October an official 24-hour strike and picket occurred at several locations around Maynooth University Campus. Overall, the strike consisted of over three-hundred thousand public sector workers ranging from lecturers and teachers to nurses and prison guards with picketing events occurring across the country. IFUT representative Doctor Donal Coffey, a lecturer and assistant professor in Maynooth University's School of Law, agreed to speak to me on the matter.
What is IFUT's response to "Budget 2027"that was announced on the Tuesday the 6th of October 2026 in which they state?
Doctor Coffey stated “IFUT is concerned about a credible settlement on pay that protects living standards this has not been substantially advanced by the 2026 Budget. In a general sense, IFUT welcomes measures to ease financial pressures on students and families including the permanent €150 reduction in the student contribution fee, the 4.5% increase in SUSI maintenance grants from January and enhanced supports for families with more than one child in higher education. These do not, however, address the core reasons for the industrial action.”
I further inquired “If the dispute is not resolved after the upcoming industrial action on the 14th what will the next steps be for the union?”
“It will depend on the Government's response, and will be negotiated in conjunction with other public sector unions” replied Doctor Coffey
Support being shown for the public sector workers.
I also contacted Teachta Dála Réada Cronin, Spokesperson for Community Arts and Infrastructure, Climate Action, and Biodiversity for Sinn Féin in Kildare North. On requesting a comment, the Deputy stated, “I 100% support the workers in their action today and over the coming weeks.” Deputy Cronin further went to display her support in saying " This is a deal that must respect the hard work of our teachers, our nurses, our Garda and the thousands more throughout the country who do tireless work in running the country."
The deal Deputy Cronin mentioned is the “Public Service Agreement 2024–2026, which expired on 30 June 2026" in which the Irish government failed to negotiate a new deal that would serve to take the place of the 2024-2026 deal. Deputy Cronin stated “they (public service workers) have been completely disrespected by this government who refuse to engage in meaningful talks and provide workers with a fair deal.” She reiterated her view on the need for action by saying, “The cost-of-living crisis has worsened year on year, and a new pay deal must reflect that.”
State concerns about disruptions in the public sector.
I also received a statement from the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and Teachta Dála for Kildare North, James Lawless who said, “I am concerned by the disruption being caused to learners across the higher and further education sectors, as well as wider impacts such as hospital appointment cancellations, school closures and so on”.
Minister Lawless added, “At the same time, I fully respect the right of unions to take industrial action and appreciate that members have voted strongly in favour of such action.” He finalised his statement with inviting the trade unions to take up talks saying, “The Government has been clear that we are ready and available to enter talks, and I would urge the trade union leadership to take up that offer.”
As the industrial disputes continue, public service workers are not going to submit until their demands are met, a new pay deal is negotiated, and improved conditions are offered. With a final message from Doctor Coffey to the students, they state “We are striking to ensure that higher education in Ireland can deliver for students into the future. We would also encourage students to contact their local TD and ask the Government to make a credible offer to start negotiations”
On Friday the 16th of October “IFUT Media” announced that the Strike that was planned for the 21st of October would be suspended following intervention from Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and new negotiating process that are currently ongoing through the Workplace Relations Commission.
