A new special edition of IMPACT’s quarterly magazine Work & Life puts the spotlight on pay in 2017. In a feature on the next public service pay round, Bernard Harbor observes that “for all its passion and volume, the November row between unions and Government was essentially about whether and when talks should take place.” Bernard provides the background to this year’s pay talks and warns that delivering a fair deal won’t be easy.

Tom Healy, director of the union-backed Nevin research institute, makes a welcome return and concludes that “it’s time to talk about pay” because Irish real average weekly earnings haven’t increased since 2008. Meanwhile, Lughan Deane outlines research findings about innovative pay policy ideas like a maximum wage or universal basic income.

Guest contributor Shane Faherty writes a compelling account of his experiences trying to navigate the world of call centre work - and the imminent arrival of an addition to the family - while struggling to cope with soaring rent and an uncertain future. And Trish O’Mahony finds inspiration in the work of Dress for Success Dublin, which promotes the economic independence of women by providing affordable professional attire and brushed-up interview skills.

Andy Pike looks as the gender pay gap and we report from IMPACT’s first training programme specifically designed to promote women activists in the union, while Martina O’Leary’s interview with Health and Welfare divisional chair Maura Cahalan is not to be missed.

All that plus the usual mix of news, the IMPACT photo album, member profiles and stories of activism, along with movies, music, food, gardens and competitions.

You can read online get a copy from your workplace or contact your IMPACT rep. We hope you enjoy it.