Media coverage of the latest developments in the pay talks process includes the Indo's report - Chief public service union negotiator warns of ballots for industrial action if no pay deal is brokered for ‘indefinite period’ - and The Irish Times - Unions told to prepare for strike ballot as no basis for public sector pay talks in place - while RTÉ reports Union leader warns 'no basis' for new public sector pay talks.

Elsewhere, the Irish Times reports Linda Kelly's appointment to ASTI, and the Indo reports on planned industrial action by Fórsa members at Oberstown.

Meanwhile, The Daily Mirror reports that the WRC has ruled that an Aer Lingus cabin crew member, fired over an incident on a delayed flight from Marseilles to Dublin when he allegedly refused to let a passenger use the bathroom for up to 45 minutes, was not unfairly dismissed. The WRC found that Aer Lingus had not breached the Unfair Dismissals Act in terminating the employment.

In other news, the Government has launched a publicly accessible portal allowing people to view employer data on the size of gender pay gaps within organisations, while ICTU welcomes the signing of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025, the new legisllation reported in yesterday's briefing, which strengthens workers’ right to keep their job for employees with a mandatory retirement age below 66 in their employment contract.  

Ian Currie reads the runes on the economy, seeing 'echoes of 2006, and Trevor White has a pop at Michael O'Leary.

Your Zen moment this morning is a song that has been in my head all week...so it must be a sign. Teardrop by Massive Attack, featuring the dreamy vocals of Elizabeth Fraser.

Have a great weekend.

NS