Public sector union leaders to meet over pay deal row
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has urged public sector unions to enter negotiations regarding a new national pay framework. He emphasized the government's commitment to public services while acknowledging the economic pressures caused by global conflicts and inflation.
Why it matters
The outcome of these negotiations will impact national budget stability and the quality of public services in Ireland amidst ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said it is important for both sides in the public sector pay stand off to get into negotiations and that he believed there was a negotiated pathway to a resolution.
Speaking in Brussels he said: "We want the national pay frame. We have provided substantial funding for that. We want negotiations to commence in respect of that.
"Previous agreements were over two and a half years, three years in the past. There's a framework there that we can create.
"I think the most important thing now is for both sides to get into the negotiating process."
He described the Coalition as a "pro-public service" Government.
Mr Martin told reporters ahead of the EU summit: "Even in the budget, we've allowed for the expansion of the number of public servants.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in