Public sector pay talks end without agreement
Union officials have expressed “disappointment” with the Government’s offer on public pay, after talks ended without agreement in the early hours of Thursday.
The negotiations were adjourned at approximately 3am to allow for a “period of reflection”, an official said.
The Government said it will re-engage with the unions “at the appropriate time”.
The general secretary of the Forsa union, Kevin Callina, said: “I’m afraid to say that the opening offer from the Government side was extremely disappointing and the fact remains that there’s a substantial gap between the parties in relation to pay.”
Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said: “I am disappointed that, despite intensive negotiations into the early hours of this morning, public service pay discussions have not yet delivered an agreed outcome.
“I recognise that all stakeholders have been involved in lengthy and challenging discussions over the last number of weeks.
“In this regard, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all parties and thank the WRC (Workplace Relations Commission) for their assistance with these discussions to date.
“At the outset of these discussions, I gave an early commitment, in good faith, to repeal remaining FEMPI legislation in an effort to generate goodwill and remove any barriers to achieving a multi-annual agreement.
“The Government is on record as saying it wishes to reach an agreement with public service unions and associations that strikes the correct balance between continued investment in the delivery of our public services and an approach to public service pay that is fair and affordable.
“We have made a proposal in the context of the negotiations which we believe achieves these objectives.
“I encourage trade unions and associations to take a period to reflect and the Government remains available to enter into further discussions with public service unions and associations at the appropriate time.”
The overnight negotiations followed the breakdown of pre-Christmas talks which were held before the expiry of the previous Building Momentum agreement.
Union officials were scheduled to be briefed on progress at 10am on Thursday and it may be several days before talks are reconvened.