More than 300,000 public sector workers in the Republic of Ireland launched a 24-hour strike today, closing schools, canceling thousands of hospital appointments, and halting many government services.

The action involves nurses, doctors, teachers, civil servants, and other employees across health, education, and local authorities. It marks the biggest national strike since the period after the 2008 financial crisis.

Schools and universities shut for the day, with around 90,000 teachers participating. Hospitals faced major disruption, though emergency departments and critical services such as urgent cancer treatment continued. Courts canceled most sittings, and picket lines formed at workplaces including outside parliament.

The strike stems from the expiration of the last public service pay agreement at the end of June. Unions demanded that pay issues be addressed first in any new talks, citing inflation running at 4.1 percent and insufficient wage growth. The government had set aside €1.2 billion in Budget 2027 for a deal, but unions described the amount as falling short of needs.

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers called the action deeply disappointing and noted it would cause significant economic disruption. Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed the tone from union leaders and expressed hope that a second planned strike on October 21 could be avoided through dialogue.

Union representatives, including Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan, pointed to a breach of trust and loss of confidence in the industrial relations process after months without formal talks. Workers highlighted cost-of-living pressures, with one nurse noting stagnant wages left little room at the end of the month.

Public transport operated normally, and emergency services including Gardaí remained in place. A further day of action remains scheduled for next week if no progress occurs.