Public pay deal recommended
by Bernard Harbor
 
Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan, who led the union side in the talks, said the deal was the best that could currently be achieved through negotiations.
Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan, who led the union side in the talks, said the deal was the best that could currently be achieved through negotiations.

Fórsa’s elected national executive met yesterday (Thursday) and voted overwhelmingly to recommend the public service pay package proposed by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) earlier this week. The union also decided to suspend earlier plans for an industrial action ballot to allow members to vote on the pay package.

 

The ballot on the package will commence next week, with voting concluding in early October. In the meantime, the union has produced this ‘frequently asked questions’ document, which includes a facility for members to ask questions

 

The pay proposals would see increases of 3% with effect from 2nd February 2022, 2% from 1st March 2023 and 1.5% or €750 (whichever is the greater) from 1st October 2023.

 

This is in addition to 1% or €500, whichever is greater, which due at the beginning of October 2022 under the existing Building Momentum agreement.

 

The minimum payment of €750 a year from next October means the package would be worth 8% to a worker earning €25,000 a year and 7% to a person on €37,500 a year.

 

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan, who led the union side in the talks, said the deal was the best that could currently be achieved through negotiations.

 

“The Fórsa executive considered the details of the package and had a constructive debate, which strongly acknowledged the financial realities facing working people across the economy – as well as their fears for the future.

 

“While neither side achieved all it sought in the negotiations, this package is a significant improvement on the pay terms of the current public service agreement, Building Momentum, and it is worth more to those who need it most.

 

“Over the past weeks, Minister McGrath and his Government colleagues have repeatedly promised to supplement pay measures with other cost-of-living supports including in the forthcoming Budget. Workers will now expect delivery on that promise. A Government failure to deliver will certainly impact the vote,” he said.

 

Other unions are also consulting their members on the package in advance of a collective decision on whether to accept or reject the package. This will take place at a meeting of the ICTU Public Services Committee (PSC) on Friday 7th October.

 

The pay talks resumed on Monday (29th August) after a ten-week hiatus during which the Government said it was reflecting on its position. Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath said his revised offer was final, although union negotiators held out for an improved sum for lower paid public servants.

 

The total 2022-2023 increases due under the WRC-proposed package would be:

 

2nd February 2022          3%

1st October 2022             1% or €500 a year (whichever is the greater). Note, this was agreed under                                             the original Building Momentum agreement

1st March 2023                2%

1st October 2023             1.5% or €750 (whichever is the greater).

 

Read our FAQ document HERE.

 

It’s never been more important – or easier – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.

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