Sherlock: Time for talks to start on public sector pay

THE government must begin talks “immediately” with public sector trade unions to hammer out a successor to the Lansdowne Road agreement.

That’s the view of Labour party spokesman on Public Expenditure and Reform, Mallow-based TD Sean Sherlock, following the publication of the report of the Public Sector Pay Commission.

The commission, chaired by former Labour Court chairman Kevin Duffy, was established to compare pay rates in the public and private sectors, with its terms of reference permitting consideration of international comparators.

“It is clear from the report that talks on public sector pay must begin immediately. Issues such as working hours, pay, recruitment, tenure and much more need to be brought to the table as a matter of priority,” said Deputy Sherlock.

He said that for the past few months the Labour party has been urging government to move on opening discussions to put in place a longer-term deal “delivering pay restoration, with Lansdowne Road folded into it.”

“Minister Donoghue has been stalled on this issue using the Public Pay Commission to kick the can down the road on the issue of pay restoration,” said Deputy Sherlock.

He accused the government of “sticking its head in the sand” and repeating ad nauseum that the Lansdowne Road agreement was the “only show in town”.

“Well, that mantra isn’t good enough anymore,” said Deputy Sherlock.

“Now that we have the report, there is no reason for minister Donoghue to delay these talks any further.”