Disability and other services in the voluntary sector in Cork and four other counties will be disrupted as two days of rolling strike action begins today in a dispute over pay.
The action is being taken in an effort to improve terms and conditions of employment for health and social care professionals who have not received a pay rise since 2008.
Unions say up to a third of staff are leaving their jobs each year to seek better conditions elsewhere.
The union says workers provide vital services, caring for the vulnerable and maintaining communities.
Notice of today's strike action has been served on a number of organisations here in Cork including the Irish Wheelchair Association, St. Joseph’s Foundation and EmployAbility.
Staff at the Enable Ireland's Lavanagh Centre in Curaheen are set to take action on Friday
SIPTU official Adrian Kane says all unions involved in the campaign are considering an escalation of their action.
