Fórsa has secured a further 1.5% pay increase for those working in Irish Water, Gas Networks Ireland, and Aurora Telecom. 

The supplementary payment comes in addition to the national agreement already in place with ERVIA, which is due to run until 2023. Workers will also receive a €500 tax efficient voucher which will be given to all staff at Grade D and below.

Management at ERVIA have acknowledged the huge impact the cost of living is having on its workers but reiterated that the impact of inflation cannot be fully met by an employer. The measures introduced will be for 2022, but the employer has given a commitment to engage with unions for a new pay adjustment in 2023.

The union had sought additional pay this year to offset inflationary pressures, and had looked for management to accept that the pay details on the existing agreement for next year are not fit for purpose.

Fórsa official Derek Kelleher, welcomed the increase in pay for 2022 but reiterated the need for discussions on a further adjustment in 2023.

“We welcome the adjustment of a further 1.5% increase but are clear that this will not be enough as we move into 2023. Although the adjustment is less than what we sought it ensures those on low-middle incomes benefit financially," he said.

A collective agreement on pay is in place up until the end of 2023 so the significance of the company’s commitment, now given in writing, to proceed with talks is very important. It is also important, as the market changes, that we will reflect on the cost-of-living crisis to ensure a suitable adjustment is found,” he added.