Government must back PAYE workers, not delay pay talks
Government must back PAYE workers, not delay pay talks - The Labour Party
- On-going cost of living crisis demands urgent action on public sector pay
Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD today called on Government to immediately engage in meaningful public sector pay negotiations, warning in the Dáil that workers cannot shoulder the burden of Ireland’s soaring cost of living while Government delays action.
Speaking during Leaders’ questions to Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Jack Chambers TD, Deputy Bacik said the expiry of the current public sector pay agreement at the end of June, combined with the escalating cost of living, requires an urgent and credible response from Government.
Deputy Bacik said:
“Public servants and PAYE workers are under immense financial pressure. Families are struggling with soaring housing costs and rising electricity bills, yet this Government continues to delay meaningful progress on pay. These are the workers who have kept our schools, hospitals, emergency services and public services running through every national crisis. They deserve fair pay, respect and genuine engagement.
“The Minister’s response in the Dáil today was deeply disappointing. While he again said Government will engage, his rhetoric simply does not match the reality experienced by unions at the negotiating table. Workers cannot be told to wait until Budget 2027 while living costs continue to rise today.
“Government has repeatedly found funding for untargeted measures, including an expensive VAT reduction for the hospitality sector, while failing to prioritise PAYE workers or households struggling with rising bills. Public expenditure must be sustainable, but it must also reflect people’s real lives and invest in the strong public services our communities depend upon.
“Labour is calling on Government to enter meaningful negotiations immediately, agree a fair public sector pay deal without delay, and ensure that October’s Budget backs PAYE workers while investing in quality public services. Public servants deserve better. We need action from Government now.”