Public service pay talks reach crucial point this week

Unions have said that while they will be flexible in the talks, a significant improvement in the Government’s pay proposal is needed to prevent industrial action ballots from going ahead next month. File picture

Talks on a public service pay deal which would avoid widespread industrial action resume this afternoon, with Government sources saying that an agreement must be reached this week.

Negotiations between unions and the Government at the Workplace Relations Commission stalled in June after the Government offered 5% over two years.