Public Sector

Unions refusing to re-enter talks unless government improves on its €1.2 billion pay offer

Government unwilling to go above 5 per cent, while unions claim the offer must close the gap with inflation rate currently running at 7.8 per cent

Michael McGrath, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Finance, will brief unions, employers and non-governmental organisations in Dublin Castle about the state of the national finances this week. Picture: Fergal Phillips

Public sector unions are insisting they will not re-enter talks on a new pay deal until they get an increase on the government’s €1.2 billion offer.

It comes as the government is set to warn about key risks to the economy at its pre-budget briefing with unions, employers and non-governmental organisations tomorrow.

The briefing paper for this year’s ‘National Economic Dialogue’, which is held every year in Dublin Castle as part of the preparations ...