Unions' public service strike rally for Tullamore this week

ONE of the nation-wide rallies being organised as part of the one-day strike in the public sector pay campaign takes place this Thursday, November 12 in Tullamore.

Thousands of union members from all over the Midlands and further afield are expected to descend on the Offaly capital for the rally organised as part of the ICTU public service unions' pay dispute.

Strikers are asked to assemble at Lloyd Town Park at 12noon and the rally will start at 1pm, proceeding though High St and Bridge St before gathering in O'Connor Square for speeches.

Widespread traffic disruption is likely to be caused during the rally.

The other rally locations are Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Letterkenny and Waterford.

The series of rallies has also been supported by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Union.

In a statement the INMO said: "The rising cost of living and the additional demands being placed on nurses and midwives are very real issues for our members. It is important that we demonstrate the strength of feeling across our membership and ensure that these issues are heard and understood by Government.

"Those providing emergency and derogated services on the day will be relying on colleagues who are rostered off, retired or currently undertaking their educations and training as student nurses and midwives to represent them at the rallies. Their participation will be particularly important in ensuring that the voice of nurses and midwives is heard.

"W encourage all members who are not providing derogated care to make every effort to attend their nearest rally. This is an issue that affects all of us, and it is important that we stand together on the day."