Budget 2023

Minister asks unions to show flexibility in new pay deal talks

Talks are due to resume, with unions demanding a ‘significant improvement’ on pay offer, but minister asking them to take into account upcoming cost of living measures

Michael McGrath, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, called on unions to show flexibility in their demands. Picture: Fergal Phillips

The government will enter crunch public sector pay talks this week “in good faith” as it works to secure an agreement that will give certainty ahead of Budget 2023, Michael McGrath has said.

Talks on a new deal are due to resume on Monday, with unions demanding a “significant improvement” in the government’s previous offer of a 5 per cent pay increase over two years.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform called on the ...