Public sector unions say 'no basis' to enter pay talks

The country's largest public sector trade unions have written to Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers, stating there is currently no basis for them to engage in negotiations over a new public sector pay deal. Over 100,000 public sector workers started industrial action this week through a work-to-rule. Additional unions plan to follow suit in the coming days, leading to a nationwide strike by public sector workers on October 14.

Unions accuse the government of not making a meaningful offer on pay since the last public sector pay deal expired on June 30. They insist on receiving an offer at the start of any negotiations. The government claims it is open to talks, but will not be held to preconditions or a predetermined outcome. The Irish Communications, Telecommunications and Information Union (ICTU) and the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) are two of the unions announcing industrial action.

IFUT members will participate in a one-hour work stoppage on Monday, October 5. While unions acknowledge the government's willingness to engage, they express concerns about the negotiating framework, particularly the lack of attention to cost-of-living issues. The government has prepared contingency plans to ensure the AI Summit in Dublin on October 14 will not be disrupted by the industrial action.

The summit, a significant event in Ireland's EU Presidency, will feature policy makers and executives from major AI and tech companies. Despite the potential disruption, the Minister of State for AI remains hopeful the strike will not interfere with the event.