SIPTU has today (Monday, 6th July) launched nationwide workplace consultations in preparation for strike ballots involving tens of thousands of members across the public service over the coming weeks, following the Government’s failure to begin meaningful negotiations on a successor public service agreement.
The previous agreement, which expired on 30th June, covered more than 80,000 SIPTU members across the public service. SIPTU said the lack of meaningful engagement is not tenable given the enduring cost-of-living crisis experienced by workers, and that the absence of an agreement is creating unnecessary uncertainty for workers and services.
SIPTU’s public service members are aware of the extent to which this Government has acted to address issues raised by employer lobby groups, including hospitality VAT cuts and supports for the farming and haulage sectors, at significant cost to the taxpayer and the Exchequer. The Union highlighted that public service agreements provide not only for pay improvements but also for commitments to directly employed public service jobs and safeguards against outsourcing.
It also pointed to the failure to deliver key outstanding commitments in the previous agreement, most notably the 1% Local Bargaining Fund. Ballots will take place across the health service, local authorities and education over the coming weeks.
SIPTU General Secretary, John King, said: “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.
“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. Our members deliver essential services every day. Their patience is now being tested.
“It is unacceptable that meaningful negotiations have not begun and that key commitments, including the 1% Local Bargaining Fund, remain outstanding. Our ballots will send a clear message to the Government: public servants expect immediate engagement, fairness and delivery on pay. We will not wait anymore.
“The Government is aware that the unions are prepared for substantive talks to conclude a new agreement but they must set out clearly their commitment and plan to protect the living standards of workers over the lifetime of any agreement.”
SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “SIPTU will fully support our members in the fight for a new pay agreement. We will not allow them to be left behind while the cost-of-living crisis continues to escalate. Our members will not carry the burden of rising costs on their shoulders while the Government sits idly by and refuses to engage meaningfully.
“Public sector workers have carried this country through crisis after crisis. They deserve fair pay, respect and meaningful engagement, not delay and inaction.
“If Government continues to stall, our members will take whatever actions are needed, and SIPTU will stand firmly with them.”
SIPTU Public Administration and Community Divisional Organiser, Brendan O’Brien, said: “Workers have honoured every agreement with Government and now expect the same in return. Our members have seen Government act when they wanted to support businesses. It is now time they dealt with the pay of public sector workers.
“Every vote cast will strengthen our collective voice and demonstrate that public servants are united and prepared to defend their living standards and the public services they provide.”
SIPTU confirmed ballots will continue across workplaces nationwide over the coming weeks and again called on the Government to immediately begin negotiations and fully implement all outstanding commitments.
SIPTU General Secretary, John King, added: “If the Government refuses to act, our members will. Public servants are united, determined, and ready to secure the pay they deserve, and SIPTU will stand with them every step of the way.”