After a two-month break, unions and the government are scheduled to continue public sector pay negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission today.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Government engaged in talks that were last conducted in June but could not achieve an agreement (ICTU).
After talks had previously ended, the difference between the two sides was described as “significant”, with ICTU saying that they were unsure if the gap could be bridged.
However, ICTU have since called on the Government to “significantly improve” their pay offer when talks resume later today.
The head of the unions’ negotiating team, ICTU President Kevin Callinan, claimed that during the previous round of talks, the Government had not taken into consideration the rising cost of living.
He added that the rising inflation, which is currently running at 9.1%, would make it difficult for unions to bring a pay deal that doesn’t address cost-of-living to members.
However, Callinan did say that ICTU is prepared to be flexible in today’s negotiations.
“Minister McGrath has indicated that the Government will make an improved offer on Monday, and we look forward to finding out if it will be enough to move towards an outcome that we can credibly put to workers in ballots,” Callinan added.
Despite the fact that negotiations are scheduled to get back up at the WRC today, unions are ready to vote their members for industrial action if a settlement is not reached.