On Thursday 14th May, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD addressed Fórsa delegates at the union’s Biennial Conference in Killarney. Addressing delegates in the opening session of the day, the Taoiseach acknowledged that the current public service pay agreement expires in June and said that government was “ready to explore the potential for a new agreement with public service unions and representative associations over the period ahead.”  

He was also explicit that local bargaining claims should be resolved quickly so that public service pay talks can begin, saying: “I have made clear to all Ministers that I want and expect rapid progress in the coming weeks to resolve outstanding aspects of applying the local bargaining clause.” 

Referring to a key concern for Fórsa members he accepted that the current remote working legislation is balanced in favour of the employer, indicating that it will be reviewed.  

In a wide-ranging speech, the Taoiseach also outlined investment in public services made in recent years by government, notably referencing SNA provision, and housing, as well as efforts to address cost of living challenges in last year’s budget and the recent fuel crisis. 

General secretary Kevin Callinan provided a robust response that drew applause from delegates on several occasions. 

Kevin welcomed the Taoiseach noting that his attendance at Conference came at an important milestone moment for the union, as it hit 100,000 members.  

He went on to outline the union’s priorities ahead of any public service pay negotiations, saying there was “an urgency” to address the significant cost of living challenges people are facing, and noting the elements of the ‘A Better Deal’ pledge, which has now been signed by over 45,000 people. 

He expressed the union’s frustration with the Department of Public Expenditure in regard to the slow progress on local bargaining, saying: “They have delayed and frustrated the local bargaining process while controlling the implementation of outcomes. More than eight months after it fell due, most public servants haven’t had outcomes on claims.” 

“They seem to be either unable or unwilling to police the agreement with some sectoral employers proceeding to breach its terms on issues like AI and outsourcing.” 

Speaking about remote work, a critical issue for many members, he argued that Ireland must seek excellence in its implementation of remote work, referencing the research launched at conference which indicated that the benefits of remote work extend far beyond the workplace, and include balanced rural and regional development, environmental factors, the elimination of unnecessary commuting, supporting well-being, family life and community involvement.  

On pushing for action on common good issues, Kevin said: “We are no longer prepared to accept that some of these items are ‘off the table’”. He said that previous experience dealing with officials “stuck in an austerity-era mindset” had shown “that system is completely inappropriate to the changed economic conditions and to the challenges we face as a country.” 

Kevin renewed calls he has previously made for engagement between government, employers and unions to become action-oriented, rather than continuing to be 'a talking shop'. 

He stressed the importance of meaningful engagement and clarity, saying “Industrial peace, cost certainty and co-operation with change are not givens – they are part of a bargain.”  

He went on to say last year’s budget had felt like a “betrayal” to workers given the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis, and the commitment public service workers have to their country, noting that he had been clear wage bargaining will have make up the gap where the budget fell short. 

Finally, Kevin made it clear that if there is to be a new multi-annual agreement: “It must provide a real voice for workers” on common good issues, particularly public investment in housing and healthcare, before summing up meaningfully saying “Fórsa members want ‘A Better Deal’, because we all deserve a better Ireland.” 

Read coverage of Conference and An Taoiseach's speech in the Irish Independent here, The Irish Times here, The Irish Examiner here, on RTE here, and the full speech by Taoiseach Micheál Martin here. Watch the RTE coverage of Conference here, beginning at 16.45.

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