The Irish Examiner reports that public service trade unions have warned that they will not return to the negotiating table until an improved offer is tabled by the Government: "They have also warned that the increased cost of living is putting members under substantial pressure, and said this must be reflected in any future talks."

That news followed a statement issued yesterday by the Public Services Committee of Congress, which was also picked up by RTE.

Kevin Callinan spoke on the subject this morning on RTE's Morning Ireland, and the programme also heard from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Meanwhile, from today, thousands of civil and public servants will see their working time restored to pre-austerity levels, and Fórsa's DLR branch is marking the occasion.

Elsewhere it's widely reported that the Government is set to decide early next week whether to pull the budget forward, with consideration being given to moving it to September "in light of the cost-of-living crisis."

As the aviation industry continues to feel the pressure of staff shortages, covid-related absences and increased passenger demand, it's reported that Ryanair has reached a pay agreement with its UK-based pilots. That follows on from our report last week that Fórsa has sought an acceleration of pay restoration for its members in Ryanair due to the increased cost of living. 

There's a few personnel changes effective from today in Fórsa, so let's take a moment to wish all of those colleagues well in their new posts.

Among the changes taking effect, our esteemed colleague and friend Eoin Ronayne stands down as Deputy General Secretary of Fórsa and, in his own words, steps away "from the main trade union table after 28 years." It's good to know Eoin isn't going anywhere too far, and we do wish him well in this new chapter. Bualadh bos Eoin, agus go raibh míle maith agat. 

I'm going to take this opportunity to acknowledge myself and Eoin's shared appreciation of Manchester's finest, and his years in the world of the wireless, and dedicate today's Zen moment to him. Dance, dance, dance dance, dance to the radio...and to that end, there's some added historical context available when you click the image above. 

Have lovely weekend

Niall