Minister Jack Chambers Urges Public Service Unions to Re-Enter Pay Talks

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has urged public service unions to re-enter talks for a new pay deal, emphasizing that any agreement must be «sustainable and affordable». The previous 2½-year deal, which ended yesterday, saw public servants receive over 10 percent increases.

Last month, the public services committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) stated there was no basis for talks after engaging with Department of Public Expenditure officials, indicating they would pursue local claims. Chambers has appealed again, aiming to finalize a deal for inclusion in the October budget, assuring unions that «all matters are open for discussion» and stressing the need for collective bargaining.

However, Chambers clarified that the Government is not offering a blank cheque, stating public sector pay claims must be considered alongside competing priorities like social welfare, health, and housing. He noted the public pay bill increased by 55 percent since 2020, with over 70,000 additional public servants, and lower-paid staff receiving over 30 percent increases. Kevin Callinan, Ictu public services committee chair, said unions want inflation losses addressed and pay linked to price movements for any multi-annual deal.