SIPTU to ballot public service members for strike action over pay talks delay

SIPTU, a major public service union, is initiating workplace consultations to prepare for strike ballots affecting tens of thousands of members across various sectors. The union criticizes the government for not engaging in meaningful negotiations for a new public sector pay agreement, noting that the previous deal expired last week without formal talks commencing.

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Exploratory talks with government officials over the last few weeks failed to establish the basis for formal talks to begin, as they did not set out clearly their commitment to a pay strategy in an agreement that would protect the living standards of our members, over the lifetime of a multi-annual engagement.

John King, SIPTU General Secretary, expressed frustration, stating that exploratory talks failed to establish a basis for formal negotiations. He emphasized that the government has not clearly committed to a pay strategy that would protect members' living standards amidst the cost-of-living crisis and rising inflation. King warned that public servants' patience is being tested as they feel the erosion of their pay's value.

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The cost-of-living crisis and rising inflation have completely eroded the value of pay increases paid to public servants under the previous agreements and SIPTU members in the public service are determined that they should not pay the price for the Government's delay.

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers responded by calling the threat of industrial action unnecessary. He affirmed the government's desire to reach a public-sector pay agreement but stressed it must be achieved responsibly, without setting preconditions. A spokesperson for the Department of Public Expenditure reiterated the government's availability for engagement with unions to reach a consensus.

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Our members deliver essential services every day. Their patience is now being tested.