Dublin: Public sector workers across Ireland have received a major boost after the government and trade union representatives reached an agreement on a new national pay deal following lengthy negotiations.
The breakthrough came after discussions continued until approximately 3.30am at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in Dublin. The agreement has led to the cancellation of the nationwide public sector strike scheduled for Thursday.
The proposed deal, which affects more than 400,000 public sector and civil service employees, provides for a total pay increase of 10.75 per cent over 33 months. Full details of the agreement have yet to be published, with unions expected to examine the terms before deciding on the next steps in the approval process.
The first phase of the increase is understood to provide for a 2 per cent rise, or a minimum increase of €1,200, whichever is greater, with effect from September 1, 2026. As the increase is retrospective, eligible employees are expected to receive arrears in the coming months.
The arrangement is also expected to include provisions ensuring that lower-paid workers receive proportionately greater benefits than those covered by the standard pay increase.
The proposed agreement will run from July 2026 to March 2029, with salary increases introduced in phases. The structure is designed to provide pay improvements across the public service while offering additional support to lower-paid employees.
Under the reported terms, the minimum €1,200 increase in the first phase is expected to benefit workers before Christmas, although the precise payment arrangements will depend on the final implementation details.
The agreement will affect a wide range of public service employees, including nurses, doctors, teachers and Gardaí. It is expected to provide additional financial support to workers and their families amid continuing cost-of-living pressures.
The previous public sector pay agreement provided for a 10.25 per cent increase over two and a half years. Trade unions had been seeking an improved package, leading to prolonged negotiations and the threat of nationwide industrial action.
Although the latest breakthrough has brought the planned Thursday strike to an end, the agreement remains subject to consideration and approval by the unions. Further details on implementation and payment arrangements are expected once the union approval process has been completed.
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