Following extensive talks in recent weeks and months an offer in principle has been made in relation to Fórsa’s first cross sectoral local bargaining claim, which applies to clerical officers and grade 3 equivalent roles in the public service. 

Deputy general secretary and head of the civil service division Éamonn Donnelly said: “We have received an offer in principle which is subject to finalisation and formalisation. While there remain details that must be clarified, we are encouraged that the offer begins to address the priorities set by members.”

“In conference motions, at equivalent grades committees and in surveys, members were very clear: they want local bargaining to shorten the pay scale journey and for long service to be rewarded. This has been a lengthy negotiation but if we get it right, it will really be worth it.”

While 1% of payroll quantum is available in this phase of local bargaining, by negotiating offers related directly to specific grades, members stand to benefit far more. 

Éamonn explained: “If you take a point off a scale, it reduces the time it takes for a person’s income to increase incrementally. In effect, the benefits last longer.”

An offer in principle has been made in the civil service for executive officers, administrative officers and higher executive officers. These grades are in the same cross sectoral bargaining unit as grade 4-7 roles in the public sector, however as the pay scales are of an entirely different construct, a separate offer will be made across the other sectors in respects to grades 4-7.

Local bargaining is a type of collective bargaining featured in the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026. It allows grades, groups or categories to negotiate claims up to 3% of overall payroll costs.  The first phase is effective from 1st September 2025, with a further second phase to be agreed as part of a new agreement. 

Fórsa has lodged three cross sectoral ‘core’ claims and numerous sector specific claims on behalf of members across all divisions of the union.

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.