Government officials and trade union representatives are continuing intensive engagement with an independent group in an effort to restart public sector pay talks, rte.ie reported.
Revised Pay Offer Rejected
The Government put forward a revised offer worth 7.75% over two and a half years, according to rte.ie. The package includes a baseline increase alongside an additional 1% allocated for local bargaining, the Irish Examiner reported.
Public service unions rejected the terms. Kevin Callinan, general secretary of Fórsa and chair of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ Public Services Committee, stated that workers are seeking a better deal than the previous public sector agreement, which delivered 10.25% over two and a half years and expired at the end of June.
Meetings took place with a Government-appointed group chaired by Workplace Relations Commission Chair Kevin Foley. The discussions adjourned for the day after running for several hours.
Union Members Plan National Walkout During EU Summit
Union members are preparing for a 24–hour national walkout on November 12, coinciding with a major European Union presidency event in Dublin. Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated that the prospect of nationwide strike action playing out during the summits cannot dictate the pace of negotiations over a national pay agreement, according to the Limerick Leader.
Tánaiste Simon Harris urged both sides to work toward a resolution. He noted the improved position and said nobody wants further disruption, such as school closures or cancelled hospital appointments.
The Irish Examiner reported that up to 300,000 public sector workers—including teachers, nurses, and civil servants—could participate in the industrial action. Rather than traditional pickets outside workplaces, workers will join rallies in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Sligo, Tullamore, and Letterkenny.
Intensified Action Ahead
The Irish Examiner noted that it remained unclear whether talks could be fully restored ahead of the strike action. Following the November 12 stoppage, unions intend to intensify existing work-to-rule measures and consider rolling strikes in individual public sectors.
