Irish unions suspend public sector strike over draft pay deal

Irish public service unions agreed a draft pay deal with the Government, prompting the suspension of a planned nationwide strike on Thursday, November 12. The agreement would provide combined pay increases of 10.75% over two years and nine months, but it remains subject to union consideration and member ballots.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions Public Services Committee recommended suspending the strike and other industrial action, including work-to-rule measures, while unions review the proposals and arrange ballots. The planned stoppage had been expected to involve public servants across Ireland. Talks at the Workplace Relations Commission concluded early Wednesday, November 11.

The draft agreement runs to March 2029. It comprises 9.75% in scheduled pay adjustments and a further 1% for local bargaining. The first adjustment, backdated to September 1, 2026, is 2% or a minimum payment of €1,200, whichever is greater. Later increases are scheduled from April 2027 through March 2029, with some including minimum payments for workers.

The final phase of local bargaining is to be implemented during the lifetime of the agreement that succeeds this one. The agreement also includes a...