Public sector pay talks make major progress, strike averted

Talks aimed at securing a new public‑sector pay deal took a major step forward overnight, raising hopes of averting Thursday’s planned strike.

The engagement process with the Government‑Appointed Group, chaired by Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) chief Kevin Foley, concluded late last night, with the group identifying a basis for resolving the issues referred to it. The matter has now been referred back to the WRC, which will facilitate discussions between the Government and unions to finalise a new public‑service pay agreement.

Tánaiste Simon Harris, speaking from Brussels, said a deal was “within reach” and urged all parties to make a final push today. Finance Minister Michael McGrath added that any agreement would give “certainty” to public‑sector workers and restore industrial peace.

The Government’s recent offer includes a 10.5% pay rise, with lower‑paid workers eligible for increases of up to 17.8% over the lifetime of the deal. Despite this, Fórsa deputy general secretary Katie Morgan said preparations for Thursday’s strike were continuing, and union sources warned that without a deal by Wednesday morning a second all‑out strike could occur.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the offer as “a very substantially improved offer” rather than a “take it or leave it” proposal, stressing the need for a sustainable budget to support recruitment of teachers, nurses, special‑needs assistants, gardaí and other public servants.

The potential strike would coincide with the European Political Community summit in Dublin, involving around 50 European leaders, but the Taoiseach expressed confidence that the summit would proceed as planned.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Matthis Volquardsen / Pexels.