Prison officers vote for industrial action over pay talks

Prison officers in Ireland are poised for industrial action, including potential strikes, following an overwhelming vote of support from members of the Prison Officers Association (POA). The union stated that action will proceed if the government fails to present a clear and credible strategy for aligning pay with living standards as new public sector pay talks commence.

The previous public sector pay agreement expired on June 30, and formal negotiations for a successor deal have not yet begun. The last agreement had provided for pay increases of up to 10.25% over two and a half years.

This move by prison officers mirrors similar ballots being conducted by other public sector unions, including Fórsa, SIPTU, INMO, and Unite, indicating a broader discontent among state employees regarding compensation.

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has urged against industrial action, emphasizing the government's desire to reach an agreement through engagement. A spokesperson for the Department of Public Expenditure reiterated the government's availability for dialogue, stating that "It is only through engagement that agreement can be reached."

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It is only through engagement that agreement can be reached.