2023-12-21 21:43:15
Dublin : Ireland’s government and public sector unions prepare to strike over delay in pay reform deal. This is in protest of the government’s silence on the matter even as the existing agreement, Building Momentum, expires at the end of the year.
Discussions regarding salary revision were decided. But the government unilaterally withdrew from the talks without setting a date. This prompted the unions to come out with the threat of strike. The salary contract of 3,85,000 employees including nurses, doctors, garda and teachers is in doubt.
The government agreed in talks earlier this month to withdraw emergency industrial relations legislation introduced during the financial crisis. This has been a constant demand by the unions. The government is not ready to provide clarity on how to implement the agreement, even though it is clear that the goal is to reach an agreement that is acceptable to all. Various unions have expressed concern and frustration over the lack of wage revision talks.
Unions that there will be a strike
Public sector unions have said they will meet in January to discuss open strike action if the new contract is delayed.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and the Public Services Committee (PSC), which met to discuss the government’s negative stance, will meet once more on January 11 to decide on the strike.
Forsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan, who is also PSC chairman, said that there was no possibility of negotiations before Christmas and that the government would wait a few more days to know its position.
INMO General Secretary Phil Ni Shigda said that there is a need to strengthen the position to increase the cost of living wage. If a new salary agreement is not reached by January, Shigda said that appropriate action should be taken.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary John King said there was strong pressure from union members to secure a pay deal. INTO General Secretary John Boyle said the new year brings uncertainty over pay reform.
Azhakozhampan response from the government
At the same time, Public Expenditure Minister Pascal Donau said the union’s threat of strike was regrettable, but the minister refused to specify the date of negotiations on the salary agreement.
The Prime Minister’s response to this was that he was interested in a new salary agreement, but now inflation is low. The Prime Minister said that the government is aware that the salary hike has not been in line with inflation.
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