TRADE UNION SIPTU is to ballot tens of thousands of public service workers for strike action after accusing the government of failing to begin meaningful negotiations on a new public sector pay deal.

The union today announced nationwide workplace consultations ahead of ballots across the health service, local authorities and education sectors in the coming weeks.

The previous Public Service Agreement expired on 30 June. It covered more than 80,000 SIPTU members and provided for general pay increases of 9.25%, along with a 1% local bargaining fund.

Formal negotiations on a successor agreement have yet to begin.

Siptu’s General Secretary John King said exploratory talks with government officials had failed to establish the basis for meaningful negotiations.

“The cost-of-living crisis and rising inflation have completely eroded the value of pay increases paid to public servants under the previous agreements and SIPTU members in the public service are determined that they should not pay the price for the Government’s delay,” King said.

“Our members deliver essential services every day. Their patience is now being tested.”

King said the ballots would send “a clear message” that public servants expect immediate engagement from the government on pay.

“It is unacceptable that meaningful negotiations have not begun and that key commitments, including the 1% Local Bargaining Fund, remain outstanding,” he said.

Siptu also criticised what it described as the government’s willingness to respond to business concerns, pointing to measures such as the recent hospitality VAT reduction and supports for the farming and haulage sectors.

The union said public service agreements also provide important commitments on directly employed public sector jobs and protections against outsourcing.

Siptu’s Health Divisional Organiser Kevin Figgis said members “will not carry the burden of rising costs on their shoulders while the Government sits idly by and refuses to engage meaningfully”.

“If Government continues to stall, our members will take whatever actions are needed, and SIPTU will stand firmly with them,” Figgis said.

Last week, the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), which represents 19 public sector unions, also confirmed it had begun consulting members ahead of potential industrial action ballots.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has been contacted for comment.