15/10/2026
What Happens Next in the Public Service Pay Dispute?
More than 300,000 public servants have already participated in industrial action, but the key question now is: what happens next?
- Will further strike days be announced?
- Can unions and Government reach an agreement through negotiations?
- Could services face additional disruption in hospitals, schools, local authorities and Government departments?
- What will it mean for payroll deductions and future pay increases?
At present, unions are considering their next steps while the Government is under pressure to return to meaningful negotiations. If no breakthrough is achieved, workers could face further industrial action in the coming weeks.
For payroll departments, the challenge is only beginning. Employers must deal with strike-related pay deductions, employee queries, pension and service implications, and the implementation of any future pay agreement that may emerge from negotiations.
💬 What do you think should happen next?
✅ Return to talks immediately
✅ Proceed with further strike action
✅ Accept the Government's latest offer
✅ Hold a ballot on any revised proposal
Join the discussion below. Follow our page for more updates or if you have a pay, tax or any other work-related question, join the Facebook group for PAYE Taxpayers Payroll Matters in Ireland where new members are always welcome.