TALKS ON PUBLIC sector pay are to resume today, as the government scrambles to ensure a scheduled nationwide strike does not go ahead on Thursday.

It is understood that talks have been referred back to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), where previous negotiations collapsed at the end of October.

Morale for unions representing public service workers has improved alongside a “significantly” enhanced pay offer. Government sources argue it would offer guaranteed rate increases of 10.5% or 11% cumulatively for every public servant.

The proposal would include an additional back payment of €1,200 or 2%, whichever is higher, in 2026, bringing pay increases for 2026 to 4% for public servants.

Thursday’s strike action is slated to continue unless a deal is reached – something the government is seeking to avoid as it prepares to host European and world leaders in Dublin as part of Ireland’s EU presidency.

Work-to-rule industrial action carried out by public sector workers continues.

On Monday night, gardaí cancelled their own planned industrial action that was to start today after talks with the Garda Commissioner. Their industrial action had hinged on workplace conditions and the alleged abandonment of working time rules during the EU Presidency events.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) said the decision followed agreement with garda management on a number of key issues, including on pay, overtime and subsistence payments.