Public sector pay deal officially expires

The latest public sector pay deal has officially expired and formal talks have yet to begin on a successor agreement.

The last deal ran from 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2026 and provided for pay increases of up to 10.25% over the course of the two-and-a-half-year period.

Unions have warned of possible industrial unrest in the public sector because of the absence of an agreement.

Lead union negotiator, Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan, has said there is currently "no basis" for formal negotiations on a new deal.

"There is now no agreement, no talks and no agreed basis for talks," Mr Callinan said.

"That is not a stable position for public service workers, public services or Government.

"Public service workers have consistently operated within national agreements that provided stability and predictability, but that framework has now lapsed.

"The expiry of the agreement without a pathway to a successor means unions must now consider how to respond in a structured and democratic way," he added.

The Department of Public Expenditure said the Government would like to reach an agreement as soon as possible.

"Agreements that offer a clear framework for pay over a defined period can provide reassurance in what are uncertain times," a spokesperson said.

"This Government has been clear and consistent in our position, we are willing and available to engage with staff representatives with view to reaching a new public service agreement."

The department said that setting preconditions or barriers to engagement is not helpful to the process of building consensus and agreement.

"For its part Government officials have repeatedly made clear that all matters are open for discussion at this stage."

"While it was expected that these discussions would present challenges, Government remain of the view that open and exploratory engagement is the only way to meaningful progress can be made," the department said.