GSG 28-26 CWU Solidarity – Public Service Strikes
13/October/2026
Description
You will be aware that workers represented by the Public Service Group of Unions are taking strike action on Wednesday 14th and 21st October 2026, in pursuance of a cost-of-living pay increase. The Government, their employer, has failed to engage in meaningful discussions and in truth has further confirmed their disregard for workers generally, as evidenced by Budget 2027, which included a provision that abandoned the government commitment to achieve a living wage.
While members of the CWU are not party to this pay dispute, as workers and trade unionists we stand in solidarity with our colleagues. We share workers real concerns and difficulties because of the worsening cost-of-living crises, upward pressure on fuel, transport and the housing crisis.
Since taking office, this Government continues to permit an effective employer veto over workers’ rights to collective bargaining and workplace organisation, while abandoning all workers by caving to the demands of business and organised economic interests.
At our Conference in May, delegates endorsed an emergency motion sponsored by the NEC demanding meaningful Government action to protect workers’ living standards, including:
- Progress towards a living wage;
- Real support for collective bargaining;
- Tax relief measures for workers;
- Enhanced remote and flexible working rights;
- Tax relief for trade union membership;
- Measures to support workers facing increased fuel, transport and household costs.
Sadly, but not surprisingly, the measures outlined in Budget 2027 provide little support for workers, failing to make up lost ground from the 2026 Budget.
In response, it is imperative that all workers and their Unions reaffirm solidarity in our common struggle to achieving fair pay and the fight to strengthen workers’ rights.
The NEC is directing all members not to pass pickets.
In Solidarity,