ICTU Demands Inflation-Linked Pay Deal for Public Sector Workers
ICTU Chair Kevin Callinan insists any new public sector pay deal must be inflation-linked to protect living standards, citing past losses and government spending on fuel protests. He warned of potential industrial action if no agreement is reached this month. The Government seeks productivity reforms, while opposition parties highlight trust issues over unfulfilled past agreements.
Kevin Callinan, Chair of the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and General Secretary of Fórsa, stated that any new pay deal between the Government and trade unions must be closely linked to inflation to maintain living standards. He noted public sector workers observed the Government mobilising Exchequer funds for fuel protesters recently.
Callinan highlighted that workers suffered losses from inflation in 2021, 2022, and 2023, which have only now been offset by headline pay figures. He suggested a multi-annual agreement should include a formula tied to price movements over several years. Callinan also raised the possibility of balloting for industrial action if a successor agreement is not in place when the current public sector pay deal expires this month.
Minister of State Niall Collins affirmed workers are entitled to pay rises but indicated the Government would seek productivity reforms. Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Darren O’Rourke expressed frustration that the previous agreement was not fully implemented, particularly local bargaining clauses, leading to a breach of trust. Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney warned of increased strike risk due to uncertainty over the next public pay agreement and criticised the Government for not honoring agreed negotiations.