Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Donohoe acknowledged that the negotiations will be "challenging". Alamy

Unions invited to discuss public sector pay by Minister Donohoe

Unions said they want normalised industrial relations processes and appropriate pay measures.

A NUMBER OF unions representing public sector workers have been invited to discuss pay within the sector by Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe.

The invitation to the talks has been acknowledged and will be considered by Siptu and the The ICTU Public Service Committee (PSC). 

Both groups highlighted two of their main priorities, ahead of negotiations, as normalising industrial relations processes in the sector and securing appropriate pay measures to tackle with rising costs.

Donohoe invited unions to enter negotiations with Government on the potential for a new public service pay agreement under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission.

Announcing the invitation today, Donohoe said the “opportunity now exists for the parties to intensify efforts to try to agree an appropriate successor agreement to Building Momentum which expires at the end of 2023″.

The ‘Building Momentum agreement‘ was accepted by unions in October 2022, after extensive negotiations between unions and the government. The deal was brokered under the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis.

Under the plan, employees in the public sector received a 6.5% pay increase, over the 12 months that followed its agreement, in three increments. The final increment took place in October.

Speaking on the union’s consideration, Siptu’s deputy general secretary John King said workers want pay increases which “ensure that the value of their pay is not eroded by inflation”.

King said workers also “want a return to normalised industrial relations across the public service”.

He added that members would want to maintain the protective clauses in the Public Service Agreement that prevents any form of outsourcing and secure clauses around service delivery.

The PSC are also seeking the same particular securities ahead of the new negotiations.

In a statement from the committee today, it said the committee agreed its “priority objectives for a future pay deal in September” which places a “particular emphasis” on securing appropriate pay measures, in response to continuing cost-of-living pressures.

The PSC are also seeking a return to normalised industrial relations processes after unions have “identified the normalisation of ‘post-crisis’ public service industrial relations”.

The group said this clause will be a “key priority” for them moving into talks, particularly seeking “appropriate access” to the WRC and the Labour Court, and the final dismantling of remaining emergency legislation.

Both groups also are seeking to resolve outstanding issues affecting a number of public service grades, groups and categories.

These measures are considered methods to future-proof public services and public service employment.

Donohoe acknowledged these discussions will be “challenging”, adding that any agreement has to be appropriate to the economic and geopolitical contexts the country is currently facing.

The minister added: “However, I believe that there is scope for all parties to engage constructively towards an agreement that provides valuable certainty over the coming years for the taxpayer, businesses who rely on essential public services and of course our public servants who work so hard to provide them.”

Both Siptu and ICTU’s PSC has acknowledged the invitation, with members PSC due to meet tomorrow morning to consider and respond to the minister’s invitation.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
46 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Spartacus Ireland
    Favourite Spartacus Ireland
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 5:02 PM

    The nurses, doctors, teachers, gardai and most public servants in the frontline from my experience dealing with them are very good and do their jobs well and inflation has damaged the power of take home pay so increase needed alright whether we like it or not

    299
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute
    Favourite
    Report
    Nov 15th 2023, 8:02 AM

    @Peter Murray:
    Passschal the sneaky snake knows all about undue promotions and jobs for the boys etc etc!!

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bren
    Favourite Bren
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 4:54 PM

    What we really should be happening is that the country should be discussing how much ministers should getting paid in my eyes they should get the average industrial wage of €33,800 and then to prove what they can actually do to betterthe lives of the citizens of Ireland before to get any expenses or bonuses enough is enough of taxpayers money going to waste I’m not getting value for money

    172
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fr. Fintan Stack
    Favourite Fr. Fintan Stack
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 5:39 PM

    @Bren: Brilliant idea. I’m sure 33.8k should attract the best of the best in to politics.

    92
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donal Desmond
    Favourite Donal Desmond
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 5:54 PM

    @Fr. Fintan Stack: By the best do you mean TDs like Niall Collins who has continually refused to appear before the ethics Committee concerning his travel expenses. Seems his vouched and unvouched expenses were not enough for him…

    133
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fr. Fintan Stack
    Favourite Fr. Fintan Stack
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 5:57 PM

    @Donal Desmond: No I’m talking about future politicians. I’m not here to defend FFG politicians. I don’t vote for the above mentioned. But as bad as it is now, who are you going to attract with 33.8K?

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thesaltyurchin
    Favourite Thesaltyurchin
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 7:07 PM

    @Fr. Fintan Stack: You mean all the teachers? That old money shtick is a fallacy. It’s protectionism, of the institutions where hypocrisy began.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat the Baker
    Favourite Pat the Baker
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 10:05 PM

    @Bren: Why would anyone take on the responsibility involved in being a minister for the average industrial wage?

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Derek Blake
    Favourite Derek Blake
    Report
    Nov 15th 2023, 11:39 PM

    @Fr. Fintan Stack: Really, do you think the current lot are intelligent or very skilled. It’s the public servants who run this country. Our politicians are just figure heads, who generally inherit their positions. Greed is their main attribute!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Derek Blake
    Favourite Derek Blake
    Report
    Nov 15th 2023, 11:42 PM

    @Pat the Baker: Why not, unless they’re not in politics to help those less fortunate and offer their limited abilities. Democracy is about making society better for all.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry Kelly
    Favourite Gerry Kelly
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 5:01 PM

    Another round of pay rises coming
    Great stuff
    Even as our public services continue to decline in quality with nobody ever held accountable
    Just send the bill – as ever – to Joe and Mary Taxpayer

    122
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat the Baker
    Favourite Pat the Baker
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 10:07 PM

    @Gerry Kelly: Unions should be banned in all state jobs.
    Having a job for life is a privilege most people will never enjoy.
    Unions are needed in the private sector only – they are abused by state employees to squeeze more than their fair share from private sector workers who will never enjoy the same privileges.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Zmeevo Libe
    Favourite Zmeevo Libe
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 11:39 PM

    @Pat the Baker: It is exactly in the public sector that we need the unions. If a teacher is unhappy with their pay, they can’t go to the principal and ask for a rise, like a private sector employee.

    29
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute
    Favourite
    Report
    Nov 15th 2023, 8:08 AM

    @Peter Murray:
    WWG1WGA! ;~)

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute another one? what's going on is the semi state sec
    Favourite another one? what's going on is the semi state sec
    Report
    Nov 15th 2023, 9:26 AM

    @Pat the Baker: have you not been reading the news recently of how many of the state/semi states are?!?? Strike after strike. IR issue after IR issue. Staff retention issues, staff recruitment issues, and low morale all causing unfit services. Conditions driven into the ground by poor management and DPER since the crash. The public sector need unions just as much as anyone else and they need to sort the mess the govt has made of everything….. FYI, Public sector staff pay taxes too and you might want to brush up on their “privileges”. You must be thinking about legacy employment contracts…..Thanks for your input though Pat.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James K.
    Favourite James K.
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 6:05 PM

    @Gerry Kelly: Public servants pay proportionally more of their income back to the state than private sector workers, but nobody mentions the proportion of income tax attributable to the Public Service when they talk figures, almost like there’s an agenda. I agree with other opinions stated here that politician’s wages need to be reduced, including those retired politicians claiming multiple pensions

    85
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat O Neill
    Favourite Pat O Neill
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 6:38 PM

    @James K.: we need more competent politicians and they need proper pay. The public sector don’t pay tax, that’s a mad idea, every penny they get is from real tax payers. Sorry, that’s just pure logic.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Louis Jacob
    Favourite Louis Jacob
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 5:06 PM

    “..to ensure that the value of their pay is not eroded by inflation.” I’m pro unions most of the time, but what planet is this guy living on? The value of everything is eroded by inflation. Who do they expect to pick up the tab?

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Kerr
    Favourite Kevin Kerr
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 5:45 PM

    @Louis Jacob: Yes, so salaries need to be increased accordingly to compensate. It’s a fair argument in my book.

    79
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thesaltyurchin
    Favourite Thesaltyurchin
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 7:08 PM

    @SYaxJ2Ts: That’s whats supposed to happen?

    11
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Derek Blake
    Favourite Derek Blake
    Report
    Nov 15th 2023, 11:45 PM

    @SYaxJ2Ts: Ok so, increase the state old age pension and reduce the age from 66 to 60. Get all public servants to work the same year’s as the private sector! Equality when it suits!!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James K.
    Favourite James K.
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 5:55 PM

    There is an obvious issue with recruiting new Gardaí, Nurses, Doctors and Teachers, the revision of wage scales and pensions for new tecruits has stopped many from applying and caused others to leave on realising the impact of those changes on their income both short and longer term. This was a clear and obvious error by government. On top of that there should be separate talks for emergency staff, Firemen, Ambulance crews, Nurses, Doctors and Gardaí deserve to negotiate separately from clerical staff who never have to face the public or deal with injured or dead people and their relatives

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fr. Fintan Stack
    Favourite Fr. Fintan Stack
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 6:00 PM

    @James K.: Clerical staff never have to face the public? Who is your first point of contact when you go in to a hospital or clinic? Who do people attack when they can’t get an appointment for another 12 months?

    72
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James K.
    Favourite James K.
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 6:10 PM

    @Fr. Fintan Stack: Still not the same as attending a serious car crash, or one involving death, attending a fire where people are injured, attending to someone with mental health problems, dealing with violent and aggressive drunks, attending sudden deaths including those self inflicted, dealing with victims of assault or worse, calling to homes where domestic abuse is happening etc etc

    34
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute PAUL C
    Favourite PAUL C
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 6:17 PM

    @James K.: they have seperate unions who negotiate seperately … with the exception of AGS .. they still can’t have one .. and there are plenty of gards who never have to face the public much like there are plenty of clerical staff that do … How do you sererate one from the other ???

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fr. Fintan Stack
    Favourite Fr. Fintan Stack
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 6:34 PM

    @James K.: The reason I picked up on this post is because many moons ago my wife worked as a clerical officer in the A&E of one of the large Dublin hospitals.
    The amount of abuse she and others on the opposite shifts got was frightening. Abuse from patients with injuries caused by drugs and alcohol wanting to be seen immediately, that was every night. Dealing with families who come in to A&E after a bad accident. Even if it means getting them a cup of tea and sitting with them. And yes, dealing with victims of assault, mental health, etc. But no, not dealing with them medically, but most times she was the first point of contact. And many a night/morning she came home very upset.

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jp Cleary
    Favourite Jp Cleary
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 6:20 PM

    That’s a lovely happy picture of Pascal…. probably just heard about an incoming pay rise.

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute he didnt take the 120k because he already got it s
    Favourite he didnt take the 120k because he already got it s
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 6:47 PM

    So if they want pay increases that wont be eroded by inflation, does that mean when inflation drops they will happily take a pay cut? Will they f… If you dont like the pay go to the private sector, they got a pay rise 2 years ago, with most recent part of the pay rise given a month ago, and now they want even more

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Dunne
    Favourite David Dunne
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 7:55 PM

    @he didnt take the 120k because he already got it s: I think you don’t understand what inflation is or how it works. If you mean a recession where growth is negative then yes the last time we had one the whole public sector took a paycut though I don’t remember a decrease in the cost of living

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute another one? what's going on is the semi state sec
    Favourite another one? what's going on is the semi state sec
    Report
    Nov 15th 2023, 11:19 AM

    @he didnt take the 120k because he already got it s: echoing David Dunnes reply and also to say, how much of an increase did they get? Inflation is at around 20% since the start of 2021

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute
    Favourite
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 7:08 PM

    Take the crumbs from my table peasants

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pato
    Favourite Pato
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 9:59 PM

    Let them stay at home and pretend they are working. What they’ll save on not travelling can be their pay increase.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute
    Favourite
    Report
    Nov 15th 2023, 8:07 AM

    @Pato:
    Is that you Sir Jacob Rees Vatnik old boy!? *monacle emoji* ;~]

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Byrne
    Favourite Peter Byrne
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 9:32 PM

    Great stuff will get a nice rise in my pension , they deserve about 15% across the board for all our over worked , under paid stressed out public servants , who dont know where the next cent is coming from .

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael James Brennan
    Favourite Michael James Brennan
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 8:58 PM

    link the pension with sector rises

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute AnthonyK
    Favourite AnthonyK
    Report
    Nov 15th 2023, 7:38 AM

    Joe and Mary Taxpayer work as public / civil servants.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Doe
    Favourite John Doe
    Report
    Nov 14th 2023, 10:56 PM

    Aaaaah, he is a great fella so he is.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds