Strike

Strikes and industrial action

The right to strike is fundamental for trade unions. Although strikes and industrial action are the weapons of last resort, it is crucial that trade unions can use them in the fight to defend workers' rights and get a fair deal from employers. The challenge for many unions, particularly those in the public sector, is that the right to strike is restricted or even completely denied. Information on the right to strike in the public sector is available in 48 country factsheets that cover the main rules and include information on cases that trade unions have taken to the International Labour Organisation and Council of Europe.

Date
Mar. 19, 2025

Psychiatric hospital workers protest for higher wages

Bulgaria

Psychiatric hospital workers across Bulgaria, represented by the Federation of Health Trade Unions at CITUB , have launched protests demanding higher wages and improved working conditions. On 17th March, doctors, nurses, and support workers at the state psychiatric hospital in Sevlievo began a three-day action, calling for a 50% wage increase and recognition of their work as second category due to its complexity and risks. Workers in psychiatric hospitals in Pazardzhik and Tsarev Brod have joined the protests, with further action planned in Karlukovo on 18th March. The union demands include a
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Mar. 19, 2025

Recycling workers to strike over privatisation concerns

Ireland

SIPTU members employed by Bord na Móna (BNM) Recycling, Ireland’s last publicly owned domestic waste collection service, have served notice of a two-day strike on 2nd and 3rd April. The strike follows concerns over the planned privatisation of the company and the lack of legal guarantees protecting workers' terms and conditions. The union argues that management has moved to sell the service without securing the necessary legal protections for workers, including a Registered Employment Agreement. SIPTU warns that the sale, if completed under the current conditions, could lead to worsening
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Mar. 19, 2025

Trade union rights under attack

Serbia

Since 7 March, workers at the Belgrade City Center for Social Work , organised by the Trade Union of Health and Social Care Workers "Nezavisnost," have been striking against understaffing, excessive workloads, and low wages. W orkers are calling for urgent measures to improve staffing levels, reduce excessive workloads, and introduce fair wages that reflect the complexity and responsibility of their jobs. They also demand an end to temporary contracts, Instead of addressing these concerns, employers have responded with salary cuts and threats of dismissal. Further escalating tensions, Zoran
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Mar. 19, 2025

Employers let negotiations collapse in public services

Germany

After weeks of negotiations and a tense third round of collective bargaining, talks for the 2.5 million federal and local public service workers in Germany have collapsed, with unions blaming employers for refusing to reach a deal. The collapse of negotiations follows growing frustration among public service workers over stagnant wages, rising inflation, and increasing workloads. Ver.di demanded a substantial wage increase, including a social component to support lower-income workers, as well as improvements in partial retirement and a more flexible working time. However, employers rejected
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Mar. 19, 2025

Central government workers strike

Finland

Central government workers in Finland have launched industrial action for the first time in nearly four decades after collective agreement negotiations collapsed. The Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors (JHL) , Trade Union Pro , and the Negotiation Organisation for Public Sector Professionals (JUKO) have imposed bans on overtime, shift swaps, and the accrual of flex hours, effective from 19 March and continuing until further notice. The dispute follows the Office for the Government as Employer (VTML) halting negotiations on 7 March after offering a 6.3% pay rise—well below the
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Mar. 19, 2025

112 emergency operators' strike enters second year

Slovenia

The strike of Slovenia’s 112 emergency call operators has now entered its second year. These workers handle all emergency calls to the 112 number, directing requests for medical, fire, police, and rescue services. Operators at the Information Centre and all 13 regional centres began striking on 19 February 2024, demanding equal treatment with dispatchers in healthcare and fire services. Despite a revision of the salary system, they remain classified in lower pay grades than their counterparts in emergency services. The 112 emergency number is a vital public service, available 24/7 across the
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Mar. 19, 2025

Strike in healthcare, agreement in water sector

Portugal

On 20 March, nurses from Lisbon’s health centres will strike and hold a rally at the Ministry of Health at 10:00 am. Organised by SEP , the strike demands the payment of all retroactive wages since 2018, the completion of competitions for managerial and specialist positions, and harmonisation of pay and resources across units. Nurses are also calling for the implementation of the “career accelerator” and urgent hiring to meet service needs. The union argues that the integration of Lisbon’s health centres into new local health units (ULS) in early 2024 has worsened administrative and financial
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Mar. 19, 2025

Industrial actions in healthcare and public administration

Türkiye

Turkish trade unions have launched several industrial actions in response to unfair dismissals, union-busting, and deteriorating working conditions across multiple sectors. On 6 March, Hizmet-iş protested against the local municipality’s dismissal of 14 union members and pressure on 1,300 others to resign from the union. The dispute follows failed collective bargaining talks with Altındağ Municipality’s which refused to honour a previous agreement and attempted to roll back wage increases. Union representatives condemned the employer’s actions and vowed to resist until all dismissed workers
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Mar. 06, 2025

Ireland: A vote for strike in private health and social care

Ireland

Healthcare workers in Section 39 organisations have overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action in a ballot initiated by SIPTU . The ballot saw 96% support for industrial action on a 70% turnout, highlighting strong backing for the union’s demands. Section 39 organisations, which are privately owned charities and agencies contracted by the State employ thousands of workers who will be affected by the action. The dispute involves 21 organisations that provide essential health and social care services, including disability services, elder care, home support, mental health services, and
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Mar. 06, 2025

Serbia: Strikes in social services and childcare

Serbia

Workers at the City Center for Social Work (GCSR) in Belgrade, represented by the GS ZSZ Nezavisnost trade union , went on strike on 24 February 2025 after months of unaddressed demands regarding working conditions, staffing shortages, and financial insecurity. Despite a significant increase in workload, there has been no corresponding rise in staffing levels, leaving workers overwhelmed. The union previously held a warning strike on 24 January, but management failed to engage in meaningful negotiations, prompting the escalation to a full strike. The industrial action in Belgrade was part of a
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Mar. 06, 2025

Germany: Health and care workers escalate strikes over stalled negotiations

Germany

The German public service union Ver.di has called for a nationwide warning strike in hospitals, care facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and emergency services on 6 March. The action follows growing frustration over stalled negotiations in the federal and municipal public service sector, where employers failed to present an offer in the second bargaining round in mid-February. Ver.di is demanding an 8% pay rise, or at least €350 more per month, alongside higher bonuses for work during stressful and inconvenient hours. It is also calling for an increase of €200 per month for training allowances
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Mar. 06, 2025

Portugal: Local government workers strike for wages and better conditions

Portugal

Local government workers in Portugal staged a strike on 28 February, disrupting services such as garbage collection and school operations. The action was called by STAL , an affiliate of CGTP-IN, to demand salary increases, career advancement, the revocation of SIADAP (the public administration performance assessment system), and a 35-hour workweek for all. Thousands of workers joined a protest in Lisbon, marching from Praça da Figueira to the Ministry of Finance. STAL criticised the government’s recent salary update of €56, arguing that it fails to address the cost-of-living crisis. While
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Mar. 06, 2025

Greece: Unions strike over train crash and public service cuts

Greece

Greek unions staged a 24-hour general strike on 28 February, marking two years since the country’s deadliest train crash near Tempi, which killed 57 people. The strike brought rail and ferry services to a halt, grounded flights, and disrupted public services as unions, including ADEDY and GSEE, demanded accountability and safer transport infrastructure. The protest comes amid wider discontent over the chronic underfunding of public services. Unions have long warned that austerity-driven budget cuts have weakened transport safety, healthcare, and other essential services. Despite repeated calls
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