Union negotiators said they would engage positively in Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) talks on public service pay on Monday (29th August). But they added that a significant improvement in the Government’s pay proposal was needed to prevent industrial action ballots from going ahead next month.
Kevin Callinan, who leads the union negotiating team as chair of the ICTU Public Services Committee, said that, when negotiations were suspended in mid-June, the Government’s position had not reflected the reality of the cost-of-living crisis.
“The Government side has taken over two months to reflect on its position. Increased and sustained inflation during that period has not made it easier to reach an outcome that unions can credibly put to ballots of workers struggling with soaring increases in the cost of fuel, food, housing, childcare, and many other essentials, which were underpinned by today’s announcement of 35-39% additional hikes in home heating bills this winter.
“We are ready to be flexible in next week’s discussions. Minister McGrath has indicated that the Government will make an improved offer on Monday, and we look forward to finding out if it will be enough to move towards an outcome that we can credibly put to workers in ballots,” he said.
The officers of the ICTU Public Services Committee (PSC) will represent unions that collectively represent over 90% of Ireland’s civil and public servants in Monday’s talks. Unions are currently preparing industrial action ballots, which are to commence at the end of this month in a coordinated campaign for improved pay terms in light of the cost-of-living crisis.
The unions added that, out of respect to the WRC, they would make no further comment in advance of Monday’s engagement.
