Major Salary Boost Unveiled for Ireland’s Public Sector Workers, Including Nurses
Dublin: In a resolution to mounting political and social pressures, salaries for approximately 385,000 civil and public sector workers in Ireland, encompassing teachers, Gardaí, and HSE staff, including nurses, have been retroactively increased from January. A comprehensive agreement was reached following exhaustive discussions, paving the way for a 10.25% salary increment for all employee categories within the next two and a half years.
The intricate negotiation process yielded the following details for salary increments:
2024 Salary Increase:
– An annual salary boost of 2.25% effective January 1, 2024, or €1,125 on the existing annual salary, whichever is higher.
– A 1% salary hike on June 1, 2024.
– Another 1% salary increase on October 1, 2024, or €500, whichever is greater.
2025 Rate of Increase:
– A 2% salary raise on March 1, 2025, or €1,000, whichever is greater.
– An additional 1% pay hike in August 2025.
2026 Salary Increase:
– On February 1, 2026, a 1% salary increase or €500, whichever is greater.
– Another 1% pay hike on June 1, 2026.
Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe acknowledged the complexity of the negotiation process and emphasised that the new contract would enhance Ireland’s public service and contribute to employee retention. Despite individual perceptions of a 1% increase as relatively small, Minister Donohoe highlighted the substantial financial commitment of 300 million euros by the government.
Noteworthy increases were specified for certain professions under the new contract, including a Garda’s starting salary rising from €37,355 to €41,183, resulting in an annual increase of approximately €4,000. Nurses and teachers will also witness significant rises, with nurses’ wages increasing from €33,943 to €37,422 and teachers’ wages reaching €43,000, reflecting an increase of €4,037.
The negotiations, held over numerous days at the WRC, saw the government proposing an 8% increase, while unions sought over 12%. Following an extensive 22-hour negotiation period, the parties eventually settled on the agreed terms. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) conveyed the terms to its 19 affiliate unions, who now have until March 25 to vote on the deal. The ICTU asserted securing a higher salary increase (4.5%) than initially pledged for 2024. Further details on the one percent local bargaining mechanism are expected to be finalised by June 30, with subsequent regional-level discussions scheduled until June 2025.
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