Taoiseach: Public Sector Local Bargaining Pay Increases Processed Weeks, New Deal Talks by June

Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced that public sector pay increases from local bargaining clauses in the current national pay deal will be processed within weeks. The Government is prepared to begin talks on a new deal before the end of June.

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan expressed uncertainty about reaching a new deal, warning that failure to secure an immediate replacement would lead to a «different era» with more conflict, for which unions are ready. Several unions had previously indicated they would not participate in new deal talks until these outstanding local bargaining increases, which fund side deals for specific sectors, were addressed.

Martin, speaking at the Fórsa biennial delegate conference in Killarney, assured that the Government is committed to resolving the issue, having instructed ministers to make rapid progress. The local bargaining clause is worth 1 percent of pay in the current deal and is earmarked for 2 percent in the next deal, allowing unions to propose solutions for specific issues. For example, the Irish National Teachers Organisation seeks to restore allowances for those in islands or Gaeltacht areas, while the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation aims to improve pay for new entrants and long-serving staff.

These targeted increases can exceed 1 percent for beneficiaries. With another 1 percent due to all public sector workers under the current deal expiring June 30th, Martin desires successor deal talks to start soon. He supports including mechanisms in any new deal for unions to contribute to wider economic issues like housing and healthcare, acknowledging existing sub-groups within the Labour Employer Economic Forum (Leef). Callinan, however, withdrew from Leef over two years ago, stating consultation alone is insufficient and needs to translate into specific actions.

Martin also mentioned sustainable budget measures for workers and families this year, acknowledging cost-of-living struggles. Callinan added that Fórsa would support renewed strike action by school secretaries and caretakers if the Labour Court process fails to deliver a satisfactory pension deal. He also reiterated the union's support for the Occupied Territories Bill.