We are writing to provide you with an update on the latest round of Public Sector pay talks which concluded after 22 hours of negotiations early this morning.
Negotiations on public sector pay resumed yesterday after talks stalled when unions made clear that previous government offers fell short on pay. As a group of unions we maintained our focus on improving the pay offer that was made earlier this month. We were clear from the outset that that those most impacted by the cost of living crisis, those on low and modest incomes, should benefit most.
Over the next 30 months (January 2024 – June 2026), basic pay will increase by 9.25%. The structure of these proposals also include a local bargaining clause, which will allow for claims that arise in the next 30 months to be pursued and dealt with during the lifetime of the agreement. Salary increases will be made on a periodic basis through a combination of flat rate payments and/or percentage increases. The details include:
2024
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 2.25% or €1,125, whichever is greater, on 1 January 2024.
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% on 1 June 2024.
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2024.
2025
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 2% or €1,000, whichever is greater, on 1 March 2025.
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% on 1 August 2025.
2026
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1 February 2026.
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% on 1 June 2026.
Local Bargaining
• A local bargaining instalment, equivalent to 1% of the basic pay cost, on 1 September 2025.
As you will know, last autumn the Labour Court made recommendations on certain recommendations on the Expert Review into Nursing and Midwifery. At the public sector pay negotiations, an agreement was secured that increases for CNM2/CMM2, PHN and CNM3/CMM3 will be implemented from 30th September 2023. The remaining recommendations dealing with the pay of ADONs, DONs, and other related grades are expected to be implemented after further discussions in Q1 2024.
Matters relating to normalising access to the Enhanced Nurse/Midwife scale were also agreed and commitments in relation to safe staffing via the framework agreements and the maternity strategy were set out in the proposed agreement.
Your Executive Council met this afternoon and will take the weekend to consider these proposals. A full briefing document will issue to all members in the public service early next week. Following consideration of the proposals by your Executive Council, they will advise of their recommendation for you, and details of information sessions and balloting arrangements will be notified to members, separately.