Collision course on public sector hours issue

Unions and Government face a collision course in upcoming negotiations over working hours.

While the restoration of pay will be a priority for public sector workers, many employees say getting back hours is equally important and will be a “major issue” in the renegotiation of the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

It comes after Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe laid down a marker, making it clear the additional hours secured in the Haddington Road Agreement “remain critical to enabling us to meet increased demand in frontline service areas and to improve services to the public generally”.