New deal must deliver no-strings cost-of-living pay increase

Unite, which organises workers across the public sector and is a member of the ICTU Public Services Committee, said today (Monday) that a meeting of the union’s reps in the public sector has agreed to suspend Wednesday’s strike action.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“Last week’s public sector strike has left the government in no doubt that union members are determined to protect their living standards during the cost-of living crisis.”

Unite is clear that in addition to delivering a cost-of-living pay increase and ensuring all outstanding commitments are honoured, a new public sector deal must safeguard the right of workers to lodge sectoral claims.

Unite deputy regional secretary Tom Fitzgerald said:

“Unite members were particularly angered by the Taoiseach’s ‘value for money’ remarks over the weekend.  Last week’s strike action demonstrated the value of our public services and the workers who deliver them. It showed that when public sector workers down tools, the country grinds to a halt.  The Taoiseach should remember that, while this Wednesday’s strike is suspended, the mandate for industrial action remains if talks do not result in an appropriate cost-of-living pay deal”.