Pay campaign to include ballots
by Bernard Harbor
 
Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland programme earlier this week, Kevin said all low paid and middle-income workers, including public servants, were struggling.
Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland programme earlier this week, Kevin said all low paid and middle-income workers, including public servants, were struggling.

Union negotiators have urged all public service unions to join a coordinated campaign, supported by industrial action ballots, for improved pay. The announcement came four weeks after talks on improved pay awards for 2021 and 2022 ended in the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) without agreement.

 

Led by Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan, the negotiating team also said they were no longer prepared to discuss an extension of the Building Momentum agreement until improved terms for 2021-2022 are agreed. The Government had sought an extension to provide certainty over next year’s pay bill.

 

Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland programme earlier this week, Kevin said all low paid and middle-income workers, including public servants, were struggling.

 

“They are really struggling with the cost of living. We need this Government, as an employer, to respond to that, just as we would expect other employers to do their bit in relation to this cost-of-living crisis," he said.

 

The negotiators accused the Government of breaching the current Building Momentum public service pay agreement by failing to conclude a review of its pay terms. The review clause was triggered by unions over four months ago when inflation was 5.6%. Subsequent talks in the Workplace Relations Commission ended without agreement on 17th June, by which time inflation had hit 7.8%.

 

Kevin said that Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) officials had told the WRC that the Government needed more time to reflect on its position.

 

“Four weeks later, with inflation at 9.1%, they are still reflecting. The administration is now effectively winding down until mid-September, leaving low and middle-income public servants with the prospect of another two months of uncertainty. In our view, the Government’s attitude towards its staff is bordering on contempt.

 

“Given its continued foot-dragging, it seems clear that the Government does not intend to conclude the review of Building Momentum,” he said.

 

In a letter to all ICTU-affiliated public service unions, Kevin and other lead negotiators recommended that unions begin practical arrangements for balloting from next month.

 

"We can't be accused of rushing the fences. We've been very patient, but our patience has now run out and we demand a fair deal from this Government. Fórsa will continue to lead the campaign to protect incomes in the face of soaring bills, and we will not waver if we have to battle to protect the living standards of working people," he said.

 

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

LikeLike (5) | Facebook Twitter