Cir. 34.2026 Public Service Pay Negotiations – Update and Further Industrial Action

Dear Member,

We wish to update members on the latest developments in the public service pay negotiations and to confirm that a further one-day strike, together with protest marches, will take place on Thursday, 12 November 2026.

Update on Pay Negotiations

The Public Services Committee (PSC) of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions met on Monday, 2 November to consider developments in the ongoing negotiations on a successor public service pay agreement.

Despite further engagement facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), the Government’s revised pay offer remains wholly inadequate.

The Government’s opening offer provided for cumulative pay increases of 5.75% over 30 months. This was subsequently revised to 6.75% over the same period, together with a further 1% under local bargaining arrangements. By comparison, the previous public service pay agreement provided for cumulative increases of 9.25% over a similar period.

These proposals must be considered against the backdrop of continuing inflation, which is forecast to reach 4.1% in 2026 alone. The Government’s offers fall significantly short of what is required to protect the real value of public service pay.

The PSC considered both the Government’s opening and revised offers to be wholly inadequate, particularly given the continuing erosion of members’ purchasing power.

The trade union side has consistently emphasised the need for an agreement that addresses a number of key issues, including:

• The erosion of pay during 2026, with a meaningful increase required to compensate members for the impact of inflation.
• A longer-term pay agreement that provides greater certainty for public servants and an opportunity to address other outstanding issues.
• The Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC), including the continuing impact of measures introduced under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation.

There are also significant concerns regarding the Government’s proposed productivity and reform measures, particularly in circumstances where the pay increases on offer fall well short of projected inflation.

The PSC is firmly of the view that the Government’s proposals fall considerably short of what is required to secure an acceptable agreement.

Further Industrial Action – Thursday, 12 November

Having considered the position, the PSC unanimously agreed that a further one-day strike will take place on Thursday, 12 November 2026. Protest marches will also take place on that day.

This decision reflects the continued failure of the Government to put forward proposals that adequately address the legitimate pay concerns of public servants.

The AHCPS will participate fully in this action, consistent with the overwhelming mandate for industrial action provided by our members.

Further details regarding the arrangements for the strike and protest marches on 12 November will issue to members shortly.

In the meantime, the existing work-to-rule remains in place.

Continuing Engagement

While the trade union side remains committed to securing a negotiated settlement, any agreement must provide a fair and meaningful response to the concerns raised by public servants.

The AHCPS will continue to work closely with the PSC and our fellow public service unions in pursuing an acceptable outcome.

We will continue to keep members updated on developments as they arise.

Thank you for your continued support, solidarity and commitment throughout this dispute.

Please ensure that this circular is circulated to all members in your branch.    This circular is also available on the website.

Yours sincerely,

Ciaran Rohan

General Secretary