Huge turnout in Laois for public sector strikes

THERE was a huge turnout on picket lines across Laois today, as part of a national day of public sector work stoppages.

Thousands of workers staged protests outside the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise Hospital, Laois Co Council headquarters, Mountmellick Community Nursing Unit, health clinics, schools, libraries, administrative offices and other centres throughout the county.

The 24-hour stoppage today and next Wednesday, 21 October involves a variety of public sector trade unions, including the INTO, INMO, FÓRSA and SIPTU.

More than 300,000 workers nationwide are involved in the stoppage amid a dispute over a new public sector pay deal, in what is the largest public sector strike since 2009.

County council staff member Ann Marie Maher, who is chair of FÓRSA Laois Local Government branch, said that public support today has been “overwhelming”.

As she joined colleagues on the picket line outside County Hall in Portlaoise, Ms Maher said in a prepared statement: “I think people recognise that we are all in it together, this affects our families, our neighbours, our children, our parents. I am talking about members who continue to live in their childhood bedrooms, members with empty oil tanks, members who dread the postman’s arrival with another bill.” 

She added: “It is so important to remember this strike is not just about pay; it is about ensuring that public services remain strong, that workers are valued, and that the Government honours its commitments.” 

Meanwhile, the HSE cancelled outpatient appointments, routine procedures and other services due to what it described as ‘significant and widespread disruption’ to many health and social care services.

In a statement yesterday, the HSE said: ‘As part of contingency plans for the day, all elective, day services and outpatient healthcare services across hospitals and community settings are cancelled.

‘This includes routine hospital procedures, outpatient appointments, community-based services, day services, primary care clinics and other scheduled care services.

‘HSE administrative services will also be impacted. Home support care will continue for people with the highest care needs and those who are most vulnerable in line with approved derogations.

‘Other visits may be rescheduled where clinically safe to do so. Services may also continue for some other home care clients where deemed necessary locally.

‘Emergency Departments, ambulance services operating at reduced capacity, and other critical and time-sensitive healthcare services, including urgent cancer treatment and dialysis, will continue to operate.

‘Anyone requiring urgent medical attention should not delay seeking care. In an emergency, people should dial 999 or 112 or attend their nearest Emergency Department where necessary.’