Overview
- Talks brokered by the Workplace Relations Commission concluded in the early hours of Wednesday with unions and the Government producing a draft deal and recommending suspension of the 24‑hour strike.
- The package would deliver 10.75% in staged increases over two years and nine months and run to March 2029, with a series of fixed payments and percentage rises paid on set dates through 2029.
- The agreement raises the threshold for enhanced lower‑pay protections from €50,000 to €60,000 and includes review language to respond to any future spikes in inflation.
- Unions will now ballot members on the draft proposals with votes due to finish in the week beginning 7 December, and further action is possible if members reject the deal.
- The Government’s improved offer that fed the talks is estimated to cost the Exchequer close to €5bn over the life of the agreement, adding to ongoing pressure from a growing public payroll and uncertain inflation.