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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Union members are striking at eight local authorities across Ireland today (August 2).
The industrial action is taking place due to what Unite the Union calls "a lack of engagement" over member concerns regarding a Workplace Relations Commission document on the full integration of public water services within Irish Water (Uisce Éireann).
The 'Framework for the Future Delivery of Water Services' document put forward last year aims to ensure "a stable operational environment is maintained" as the water sector completes the transition to a national water services authority.
The document provides for the transfer of existing local authority water services staff to Irish Water between now and 2026, among other stipulations.
Unite the Union cites "the continued refusal of local authorities and its representative body, the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) to meaningfully engage with the union over its members' concerns" as a precursor to the strike.
The framework document was reportedly rejected "overwhelmingly" by Unite members employed in water services delivery as "it failed to address their concerns".
Strikes are underway at eight local authorities from today (Wednesday August 2) to 23.59pm on Friday August 4.
Water workers are striking at Carlow County Council, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Fingal County Council, Kerry County Council, South Dublin County Council, Tipperary County Council and Waterford County Council.
Unite the Union is seeking "a commitment that members transferring to Irish Water will retain their public service status, a strengthening of existing commitments regarding protection of local authority workers involved in water services delivery, and a removal of service and age barriers for those wishing to avail of the redundancy option".
It is also seeking an amendment in the framework to specify a date and wording for a referendum enshrining public ownership and management of Ireland's water system in the Constitution.
Unite reportedly wrote to the LGMA on July 20 to notify the employer of the escalated strike action.
The union indicates it remains available to meet directly or through a proposed and agreed third party to attempt to resolve the dispute.
Picture: Unite the Union
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