Public Sector Pay Talks Continue Into Another Day

Talks on a new national public sector pay deal did not reach a conclusion on Thursday, and those close to the process indicated the discussions would continue for at least one more day.

Government representatives and union leaders have met daily for almost two weeks. Fórsa leader Kevin Callinan had previously said this round of engagements would end by the weekend, with or without an agreement. Facilitators from the Workplace Relations Commission were expected to press both sides to remain until a deal was reached. By Thursday evening, sources said outstanding issues remained too numerous to close the talks.

Tánaiste Simon Harris told RTÉ radio that he hoped the process would conclude within "a couple of days". "The talks are now ongoing, but I do believe a resolution is possible here," Harris said. He added that the Government wants public servants to receive a decent wage and that any agreement must be sustainable and affordable.

Talks have covered pay and productivity. Sources said both sides continue to follow the pre-talks position that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. Officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are seeking cooperation on measures to raise workplace productivity.

The previous deal delivered pay increases of at least 9.25 per cent over 30 months, plus 1 per cent for local bargaining. Some lower-paid workers received increases of up to 17 per cent. A new deal is required to provide another 2 per cent for that purpose, likely paid near the end of the agreement period to allow claims to be processed.

Unions have sought a mechanism to protect members from inflation spikes over the next two years and have said they want talks to address pay shortfalls relative to inflation. Neither side would predict a timeline for the remaining talks on Thursday night.