Circular 36.2026 – Public Service Pay Talks – Update for Members

Dear Branch Secretary,

We want to bring you up to date on the public service pay talks.

Talks between the public service unions and Government went on late into last night.  Real progress was made after midnight and the talks return to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) today. The aim is to settle the matters still outstanding, including some non-pay issues.

The Government’s revised offer, issued at the weekend, was a clear improvement on the proposals the union negotiators had rejected.  Some important issues are still unresolved, but the movement in the last 24 hours is encouraging, and both sides seem to be working towards an agreement.  Depending on how today’s talks go, the Public Services Committee may meet later today to consider any draft agreement.

As things stand Thursday’s strike and protests are going ahead.  However, the planned action will be deferred if a draft agreement is reached and the Public Services Committee decides to do so.  Our current work to rule also continues as normal for now.

We are cautiously optimistic about where the talks are heading, but nothing is agreed yet. We will contact you again as soon as there is a clear outcome, and certainly before Thursday.

Thank you for your continued support and solidarity throughout this campaign.

Please bring this circular to the attention of all members in your branch.

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