“We Have Your Back” was the message yesterday as Johnny Guirke TD stood shoulder to shoulder with striking Public Sector Workers across Meath West. All over the country it was the same, some 300,000 workers, with the support of their unions sent a clear message to the government that enough is enough. The kids may have got an unexpected ”day off” that also led to many parents having to take time out of work. There were thousands of non essential medical appointments cancelled, councils and courts all closed, among many other positions in public office. The economy took a hit, it will be interesting to see if a deal is done by next Wednesday, 21st October but action will be needed by all to get back to work.
Meath Live spoke to a number of teachers picketing outside Kilbride NS, in that small parish over 200 children were not at school. This was replicated to many thousands of children all over Ireland with schools closed. While the teachers were in good spirits a couple of questions told the story. The struggle to pay the weekly bills is a stressful for them.
Inflation and cost of living is knocking on everyone’s door, including them, people are hurting. they too acknowledge that fact. The government has taken measures to help with fuel costs but as we move into the colder months of winter many homes are still dependent on oil to heat their homes. Oil is on the rise, the cut on the carbon tax gives paltry help. It will cost around €820.00 for 500 litres of kerosene, give or take. Depending on personal some will be able to take the hit others won’t. The low income families will find it hardest, has our political leaders done enough, 300,000 pubic servants have given their answer.
Kilbride NS teachers picketing are l-r : Alison Caldwell, Claire Brown. Joanne O’Malley, Aoife O’Brien, Claire O’Brien, Aoibhe Rooney, and Chelsea Moriarty.
Sinn Féin TD for Meath West, Johnny Guirke, has expressed his firm solidarity and full support for public sector workers standing on picket lines across the constituency as they strike for a fair pay agreement that reflects the soaring cost of living. Speaking after visiting local workers on the ground, Deputy Guirke praised the dedication of front-line staff and called on the government to deliver a meaningful pay deal without delay.
Deputy Guirke said “I was delighted to visit and stand with our front-line public sector workers on picket lines across Meath West today — including staff at local schools, Navan hospital, and fire services. “Public sector workers are taking action today for a pay deal that genuinely addresses the soaring cost of living. Sinn Féin stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this fight. The message from Sinn Féin is loud and clear: we have your back!
We Have Your Backs-Sinn Féin TD for Meath West, Johnny Guirke was out showing solidarity with many of the Public Civil Servants on Wednesday, 14th Oct. The first time in nearly 20 years they have gone out on strike to fight for their right to fair remuneration.
“These workers deliver the essential daily services that every single person in Meath depends on. From educating our children and maintaining our towns to keeping our emergency services running, they are the backbone of our public services. They deserve fair pay to keep up with the cost of living, proper respect, and a government that actually delivers for them.
Deputy Guirke said “The government must stop dragging its feet and agree to a fair deal that protects workers’ incomes against inflation. A fair pay deal for our public sector workers is non-negotiable.”
