The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland has rejected the Government's proposals to restore pay equality for new entrants by 53% to 47%. This brings the ASTI in line with the INTO, which also rejected the proposals. 

The Journal runs a story on fears that new legislation to extend the retirement age to 70 won't pass through the Dáil before Christmas, forcing some public servants into early retirement. Our own Bernard Harbor gives comment saying, "This is extremely disappointing, and it has a massive impact on the individuals who are caught offside by the current legal retirement to retire at age 65 or, in some cases, before."

The Irish Times runs a story on the current situation in the union's youth network. 

Around 500 ambulance personnel belonging to the Psychiatric Nurses Association are to strike on the 19th of December in a dispute over union recognition and the deduction of union subscriptions. However, the remaining 1,300 workers in the ambulance service represented mainly by SIPTU are not in dispute and are expected to work as normal.

Ryanair has launched legal action against Revenue and the Minister for finance over tax laws the company says require it to place European staff on Irish contracts. The airline's long-standing practice of putting some direct and agency staff on Irish contracts even if they live and work elsewhere remains a great source of frustration for unions.

Siptu is set to seek around a 3.4% private sector pay hike next year due to the increased cost of living. Deputy general secretary for the private sector, Gerry McCormack, says the exact figure will be agreed upon next month. 

And finally ICYMI, today's Zen is the teaser trailer for Disney's new Lion King live action movie. Set to hit our screens in Summer 2019, you may recognise names such as Donald Glover, Seth Rogan and none other than Beyoncé herself. (Also, mini bonus Zen in the masthead picture. Tonight is Toy Show night!)