Following protracted discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), which commenced yesterday and broke up early this morning (Friday, 26th January), agreement was reached on a set of proposals.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, John King and officers of the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions believe these set of proposals represent the best possible outcome that could be achieved and that they are worthy of a ballot by the membership of the public service unions.
It is also believed that the proposals address the key concerns of SIPTU members, as identified by an extensive consultation exercise conducted late last year.
These included:
1. Wages – The proposals include pay increases of 10.25% over a two-and-a-half-year period. Percentage increases are more than this for low and middle-income public servants.
2. Work – Protections against outsourcing have been maintained.
3. A New Way Forward – The proposals include provision for the parties to bargain locally on issues related to specific grades/ sectors within the parameters of the agreement.
Your Union will shortly be commencing an extensive consultation with members regarding the proposals. This will commence with a special meeting of the SIPTU National Executive Council next Wednesday, 31st January. A further update will be issued to members following this meeting.
It is important that members note that the acceptance or rejection of these proposals will be dependent upon the outcome of a secret ballot of our public service members.
This is your agreement. The decisions regarding it will only be made by union members.