Union leader warns ‘no basis’ for public sector pay talks

Industrial unrest in the public sector could be on the way after lead union negotiator Kevin Callinan warned that there is currently “no basis” for formal negotiations on a new public service agreement.

In a letter to union leaders, Mr Callinan raised the possibility of balloting for industrial action after the current public sector pay deal expires at the end of this month, if a successor agreement is not in place.

Mr Callinan is the General Secretary of the Fórsa trade union and the Chair of the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

The letter outlines that following meetings with officials from the Department of Public Expenditure, the assessment by the union side is that there is not a basis for formal negotiations to begin at this time, but that contact would be maintained.

“The officials favour an approach similar to previous negotiations where themes or pillars are identified, the assistance of the Workplace Relations Commission is sought, and pay is not discussed until the end, or near the end, of the process,” according to Mr Callinan’s letter.

“We made the case for a different type of agreement designed to provide as much stability and certainty as possible in uncertain times.”

“Crucially, we argued that it was essential to address pay and living standards at the outset to see if a formula could be agreed before investing time and effort in other matters.”

“The expiry of the current agreement in 12 days’ time presents an added urgency. We made it clear that we were not responsible for the late timing of the invitation to commence a talks process,” the letter states.

Mr Callinan advised his fellow union leaders that they need to prepare for the likelihood that there will be no agreement in place from 1 July and the possibility that this will be the case for an indefinite period.

“We are developing a proposed industrial strategy aimed at protecting and improving living standards, pursuing individual grade/group/category claims, and defending members against the effects of any changes imposed without agreement,” the letter states.

“Based on advice previously received, a common approach to balloting for industrial action may require some adjustment of the wording to ensure that it complies with the rules of the individual affiliate unions,” it added.

Earlier this week, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Jack Chambers said talks on a new public sector pay deal would be “challenging” and added there were “limits to what is possible”.

A spokesperson for the Department of Public Expenditure said officials met with ICTU to commence exploratory discussions on a successor agreement this week and these ongoing discussions remain in their early stages.

“Department officials are available for intensive engagement over the coming weeks with a view to reaching a successor agreement,” the spokesperson said.

“It would not be appropriate for the Department to comment further on this ongoing process,” they added.