Irish public sector workers offered 10.5% pay rise as EU summit looms
New proposal includes back payments and higher rates for lower earners, but unions warn talks remain difficult.
By Larissa Bell ·
Public sector employees in Ireland face potential pay increases of up to 10.5 percent under a new government proposal. This offer arrives just days before planned nationwide strikes are set to begin on Thursday. The deal would run until early 2029.
Lower-earning civil servants would see larger gains than the headline rate. Some workers could receive wage increases of up to 17.8 percent over the life of the contract. The proposal also includes a back payment of 1,200 euros or two percent in 2026, whichever amount is higher.
Negotiations between the government and unions had nearly collapsed over the weekend. Both sides returned to the table on Sunday, with further discussions scheduled for Monday morning. Sources indicate the offer is worth 11 percent cumulatively in real terms, including provisions for local bargaining.
Tánaiste Simon Harris stated the strikes were not inevitable. He told reporters the government had tabled a substantially revised and improved offer. Harris argued the event schedule for the EU presidency could proceed effectively even if strikes occur. He warned, however, that strikes are not consequence free and that the mandate for action predated the current offer.
Union leaders remain cautious. Kevin Callinan of the Fórsa union, which has the highest number of members in the dispute, described the talks as very difficult in a note to members. He confirmed preparations for the stoppage and associated rallies are well under way. Callinan said last week that any new agreement must deliver more than the 10.25 percent achieved in the previous deal.
Unions are aiming for higher increases or guarantees protecting members' income from inflation. Senior union officials expressed unhappiness after details of the offer leaked to the press on Sunday. They viewed the timing as an attempt by the coalition to undermine their position. Representatives have decided to give the government one more attempt to improve the offer on Monday.
The timing creates tension for the capital, Dublin. The city is hosting dozens of world leaders for the biggest event of Ireland’s EU presidency this week. Garda sources said it is unlikely the events will pass without incident, particularly on Thursday and Friday when up to 50 heads of state are expected. Security forces are preparing for bomb threats, drone activity, and cyber disruptions.
Garda Headquarters expressed disappointment that work to rule the week could not be halted. One source noted the possibility of cyber-related issues designed to cause chaos or embarrassment. The window between now and Thursday is narrow, with government sources indicating hard limits on what they can offer.
