Construction Worker Says Support Public Sector Strikes!

A message of support to the nurses, firefighters, street cleaners, council workers and teachers who will be striking in October.

Less than five years ago the world in the middle of the Covid pandemic. At that time governments moved mountains, as they adopted policies, aimed at minimising the impact of the pandemic.

Workplaces were closed down, as were factories, construction sites, shopping malls….. anything deemed as non-essential, was either scaled back significantly or paused altogether.

Some countries took more pronounced steps than others and everything was on the table. Some social protections were extended to the public, as even greater social protections were extended to business!

Here in Ireland the newly crowned non-essential workers, were to isolate for varying periods of time, and as the sun split the stones through the first lock down countless workers experienced six weeks of free time. All be it, limited to the family unit, locality and chance encounters.

Most of us found ways to fill the time but many of us were effectively allowed to recharge, rest and recuperate before re-entering the workplace.

The real hero’s of the pandemic were the public sector workers who kept the country running throughout and more often than not, in spite of government ineptitude! The nurses were on the frontline. The government applauded them then but won’t pay them now.

Not to forget, those working in our supermarkets, farms and transport sectors, all of whom deserve immense credit for the work they did.

In the coming winter, our public service workers will struggle to obtain the pay rises and improved benefits they richly deserve. As they do so, we would do well to remember the sacrifice and commitment these workers made for us, in our time of great need.

We would do well to remember who it was that really saved your grandparents, parents, siblings, relatives and friends.

This government continues to claim prudence must be maintained, while their masters in business, post record breaking profits and tax intakes exceed revenue predictions.

They have the money, they don’t have the will! Who do they really work for?

I would urge the workers of all sectors to give full support to the public service workers, in the here and now and full support to those industries that have yet to stake a claim for the pay and benefits, they continue to deny us.

I would urge the union leadership to take the gloves off on behalf of your memberships and to keep your foot on the throat of this government and the business class that continue to leach from society. No backing down!

Much respect and keep fighting.
From a construction worker.