Talks aimed at resolving a long running pay dispute in the community and voluntary sector will resume this afternoon.
Unions and Government representatives met at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for several hours on Friday.
The ICTU Group of Unions, which includes the INMO, SIPTU and Fórsa, said progress was made at the talks but that there are some outstanding issues still to be resolved.
Unions have accused the Government of failing to honour a pay agreement struck in October 2023.
That deal pledged to restore a link to pay in the public sector.
Among the workers impacted are staff at Section 39 organisations – privately owned charities and agencies that are contracted by the State to provide healthcare services.
Last month, healthcare workers in Section 39 organisations, who are members of SIPTU, voted overwhelmingly for strike action as part of the dispute.
The union has warned that it will serve notice of strike action on employers if the talks fail to achieve a resolution.
In an update to members, after Friday’s talks were adjourned, SIPTU said that while some further progress was made on the substantial issues in dispute, it is disappointed that an overall set of proposals could not be finalised due to remaining gaps between the parties on some outstanding issues.
“In the absence of an agreement on a set of proposals, we will continue to progress the ballot mandate of our members,” SIPTU said in the update.
The Department of Children, Equality and Disability has said workers in the community and voluntary sector are the backbone of many essential services and should be fairly paid and appropriately recognised for the difficult work they do.
“The Government’s priority is clear: To protect these vital services for those who rely on them while ensuring sustainable employment for the dedicated workers who provide quality supports and services,” a Department spokesperson said.
