Unions have confirmed that Ireland's EU Presidency played a role in deciding the date of a second nationwide public sector strike, which is set to involve more than 300,000 workers.
A 24-hour stoppage is planned for Thursday, November 12, the same day around 50 European leaders are due to arrive in Dublin for a major gathering at the Convention Centre.
Linda Kelly, General Secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI), confirmed that the European gathering was a factor in the decision to schedule the strike for that date.
The announcement comes as Government officials and union representatives prepare to meet an independent mediation group today, Tuesday, November 3, in an attempt to prevent further industrial action.
Pay negotiations broke down late last Friday, with unions expressing frustration at what they describe as the Government's failure to make a credible offer towards a new public sector pay agreement.
The strike was initially proposed for Wednesday, November 11, but was moved to Thursday for logistical reasons.
Lead union negotiator Kevin Callinan had previously denied that the date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the arrival of European leaders.
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The planned stoppage will be accompanied by a major demonstration in Dublin, as well as smaller rallies around the country.
Unions have also warned that they intend to step up existing work-to-rule measures following the strike and are considering further industrial action.
The dispute follows a previous 24-hour strike on October 14, when more than 300,000 public sector workers, including teachers, nurses and doctors, took part in one of the largest days of industrial action in Ireland since the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash.
A second strike had previously been suspended to allow negotiations to continue, although work-to-rule measures have remained in place.
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers described the latest strike announcement as "extremely regrettable", warning that it would cause significant disruption to essential public services.
He said the Government would fully participate in Tuesday's mediation meeting and remained committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to public sector workers while also being financially sustainable for the State.
