Irish unions demand public sector pay proposal within hours

The Irish trade union Fórsa has given the Irish government hours rather than days to formulate a credible proposal for public sector pay talks, the Irish Examiner reported. Fórsa secretary general Kevin Callinan stated that the ball is in the government court while speaking to Newstalk, although he noted a more conciliatory approach from Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers. [1]

The warning follows the start of a massive nationwide public sector strike across Ireland, as FTMQ News reported earlier. The strike action has shut down schools and disrupted hospital services, local authorities, and central government services throughout the country. [1][5]

Around 400,000 public sector workers across Ireland were expected to take part in the strike, as FTMQ News reported earlier. Unions advised public servants that working from home during the action constitutes crossing picket lines. The Dáil cancelled its Wednesday sitting after opposition parties pledged not to cross those picket lines. [5]

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers stated on Wednesday night that there was a pathway forward, according to the Irish Examiner. Union leaders will now wait to see if the government develops a credible offer to begin formal negotiations. [1]