Ireland’s largest public-service union Fórsa updated its Industrial Action FAQs on 16 September, confirming a coordinated programme of work-to-rule measures from 30 September and a nationwide strike on 14 October if pay talks remain stalled. Although core immigration and passport offices fall under the Department of Justice and Department of Foreign Affairs, many staff are Fórsa members, meaning walk-outs could interrupt frontline and back-office services. In previous disputes, industrial action manifested as refusal to work overtime or process non-priority applications, leading to backlogs in Irish Passport Service printing and in Immigration Service Delivery’s Burgh Quay registration office. The October strike could coincide with the autumn intake of international students and a seasonal spike in renewal applications for employment-permit holders, amplifying business-travel risk. The union’s ballot saw 96.6 % support for action, and the ICTU Public Services Committee has agreed to synchronise pickets across 19 unions. Unless a pay deal is reached, HR and mobility teams should anticipate longer lead times for first-time IRP cards, citizenship certificates required for outbound US assignments, and diplomatic-staff visa processing. Contingency steps include expediting current filings, arranging courier pick-up of ready passports before 30 September and warning travellers that same-day GNIB appointments may not be available. Government has not yet indicated whether emergency derogations will be granted for critical immigration functions, but in past strikes the Passport Office has operated skeleton crews only for medical emergencies. Companies should monitor Fórsa updates and budget for alternative routing of urgent travel via UK embassies where feasible. A decision by Fórsa’s National Executive Committee on 23 September will confirm whether the full strike proceeds.
Source: Fórsa Trade Union
