The Social Democrats will not cross the picket line at the Dáil next Wednesday.
Deputy leader and Dublin Bay North TD Cian O’Callaghan confirmed that members of the Soc Dems’ parliamentary party will not cross the picket line in the event that the Dáil does not sit next Wednesday, which will see the biggest day of national strike action since the aftermath of the 2008 economic crash.
O’Callaghan stated that the situation is a “mess of the government’s own making” and marks a “dereliction of duty” by the Minister for Public Expenditure.
A number of unions, such as the INTO and the INMO, will be part of a 100,000-strong strike next Wednesday, with Dáil employees slated to be part of the striking workers.
O’Callaghan said, “next Wednesday’s strike – the first of two planned for this month – could have been avoided had the government negotiated in a meaningful and constructive way with unions after the previous public sector pay deal expired at the end of June.”
“A full three months later, there has been no proper government engagement with unions on a successor deal, resulting in the commencement of work-to-rule action by more than 100,000 public sector workers, including nurses, civil servants and special needs assistants,” he said.
O’Callaghan stated, “these workers, who keep our schools, hospitals and public services running, have been pushed to the brink by the cost-of-living crisis.”
“That is why the Social Democrats will not be crossing any picket line at Leinster House and will stand in solidarity with workers,” he said.