Public sector pay talks: Strike looms as Government and unions locked in discussions

ASTI and Fórsa union members picketing in Mallow, Co Cork, during the October work stoppage. File picture: Larry Cummins

Unions and the Government remained locked in talks with an independent mediation group on Monday as a second nationwide public sector strike moved closer and 50,000 workers prepared for rallies across the country.

The two sides resumed discussions with the Government-Appointed Group after the Government tabled a pay offer worth 10.5%, with some lower-paid workers set to receive increases worth up to 17.8% over the lifetime of the deal.