Ireland public sector strike proceeds despite late-night pay breakthrough
Negotiators reached a potential deal on a 10.5 percent raise, yet unions have not canceled Thursday's action ahead of the EU council presidency visit.
By Amit Ricci ·
Public sector unions in Ireland will proceed with a planned strike on Thursday, even as late-night negotiations produced a breakthrough on pay. The largest unions, Fórsa and Siptu, have not yet called off the stoppage, meaning schools, hospitals, and other state services face disruption. This uncertainty persists despite reports that an agreement is close.
The impasse began when unions rejected a 7.75 percent pay offer more than a week ago. That rejection led the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to initiate a new process. A steering group led by WRC chair Kevin Foley then mediated the talks, allowing the substantive process to resume.
On Sunday, the government revealed an improved offer worth 10.5 percent in staggered increases. This proposal included backdating an initial 2 percent rise to July 1 and provided higher minimum increases for lower-paid staff. These additions addressed specific criticisms from union leaders regarding the original offer's treatment of low-wage workers.
The central point of contention shifted to the duration of the deal. The government indicated the increases would span three years, costing an estimated €5 billion to implement. Unions had sought a shorter term or higher percentage rises. Sources indicated that a four-month reduction in the agreement's length had been agreed upon, though the government held firm on the scale of the pay hikes.
Talks continued well past midnight on Tuesday. While the steering group withdrew, allowing the formal WRC process to resume, union sources suggested that any pay breakthrough would be followed by negotiations on workplace change and flexibility. A formal statement from both sides is expected within hours.
Fórsa deputy general secretary Katie Morgan told members that plans for the strike and rallies must continue until negotiators confirm an agreement. The union reported that approximately 50,000 members had registered to march, with 20,000 signed up for the Dublin event. Siptu stated it was proceeding on the basis that the strike would happen unless a deal was finalized, while continuing to confirm derogations for essential staff in the health sector.
The timing of the industrial action coincides with a critical week for Ireland's presidency of the Council of the EU. About 50 government leaders and heads of state, including Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, are scheduled to visit Dublin on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Garda Representative Association has stood down a planned work-to-rule action, citing progress with the Garda Commissioner. The police action was set to overlap with these high-profile state visits.
