This Thursday’s strike called off after a proposed 10.75 percent increase in pay.
PUBLIC sector strikes have been called off following a proposed agreement between the Government and public service unions, reached at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
The proposed Public Service Agreement 2026–2029 provides for pay increases of 10.75 percent over a 33-month period. Unions also plan to end the work-to-rule after brokering the €5bn draft pay deal.
The strike originally planned for this Thursday, November 12, would have seen teachers from 60 schools across Limerick attend a city centre rally.
The development will come as welcome news to public sector workers in Limerick and across the country, following negotiations aimed at resolving the pay dispute and avoiding industrial action.
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, has welcomed the proposed agreement, describing it as an important step in providing certainty for public servants.
Minister Chambers said, “I welcome the proposed agreement reached today at the WRC, which underlines the value of collective bargaining and constructive engagement in resolving complex issues and delivering balanced outcomes for public servants, public services and taxpayers.”
Those on the lowest incomes are set to benefit most, with increases of up to 18.3 percent over the lifetime of the agreement, including the local bargaining provision.
The minimum benefit for public servants will be 11.3 percent, with the agreement also providing for a local bargaining payment equivalent to one percent of basic pay.
The agreement also includes commitments to modernising public services, supporting digital transformation, innovation and greater flexibility in service delivery.
Minister Chambers thanked officials, management representatives, unions, and staff associations for their efforts in reaching the proposed deal.
He has expressed hope that the agreement will receive the backing of union members, allowing the pay measures to proceed and providing greater stability across the public service.
The agreement will now go to Government for approval, while public service unions and associations will ballot their members on the proposals.