You will have learned through media reports that public sector pay talks reconvened after a ten week hiatus on Monday, August 29th.
After eighteen hours of negotiation, an offer was concluded at 7am on Tuesday morning.
This offer brokered between public sector unions (represented by the INMO, FORSA, SIPTU and the INTO) and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform via the Workplace Relations Commission is a significant increase on what was put on offer earlier this summer.
Your Executive Council met this evening and decided to suspend their decision to carry out a ballot for industrial action over the cost of living and lack of engagement by Government, considering these talks have now been held. Your Executive Council will reconvene on Wednesday the 31st of August to consider the details of the negotiated proposal specific to nursing and midwifery grades and to decide on their recommendation to you as members working in the public service. They will also set out details of the information meetings and balloting arrangements for members impacted by this proposal to allow you consider the proposal and vote on it.
Including what was already agreed under the current provisions of Building Momentum, the following increases would be provided for under the proposed package
2nd February 2022: 3% increase on base salary to be back paid
1st October 2022: 1% increase or €500, whichever is more financially beneficial
1st March 2023: 2% increase
1st October 2023: 1.5% increase or €750, whichever is more financially beneficial
As previously advised to you, the INMO held firm that nurse managers should be paid what they are owed since February 2022, and it was agreed that the circular to increase nurse managers’ pay by 3.28% will issue immediately. This pay increase for nurse managers will be back paid to 1st February 2022.
It is expected that there will be further cost-of-living supports as part of Budget 2023.
We will be in touch with further information once your Executive Council meet on Wednesday afternoon on their recommendation in relation to this offer that is on the table.