Talks set to move quickly but a positive result looks unlikely

THE most demoralising, and unfortunately one of the most common, statements an industrial relations reporter hears while interviewing trade unionists entering pay talks at Government Buildings is, “it’s early days”.

It means that for at least a week – more likely two – that hack can expect to trudge lengths in front of the ornate gates for hours on end, only to be told each evening the second most demoralising statement to their ears – “nothing new to report”.

As public sector unions this afternoon return to Government Buildings to lock horns on the future of the public service and the threatened pay cuts to their members, the sense of urgency will negate the use of either utterance.