The Green Post Ireland
Dublin, 8 November 2026 — Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government’s substantially improved public sector pay offer could provide the basis for an agreement with trade unions, as negotiations continue ahead of a planned nationwide strike on Thursday, November 12.
The revised proposal would deliver pay increases totalling 10.5% through the early months of 2029, according to details reported by RTÉ News.
When compounded, the increases would amount to approximately 11%, while some lower-paid public servants could receive increases of up to 17.8%.
What Is Included in the New Public Sector Pay Offer?
The latest Government proposal represents an increase on an earlier offer of 7.75% over two and a half years, which unions rejected.
According to RTÉ News, the revised package includes a payment of €1,200 or 2%, whichever is higher, during 2026.
This would bring total public sector pay increases for the year to 4%.
The Government is also proposing additional benefits for lower-paid workers, with some employees potentially receiving increases of up to 17.8% over the agreement.
The proposed deal would remain in effect until early 2029.
The previous public sector pay agreement, worth 10.25% over two and a half years, expired at the end of June.
Micheál Martin Says Agreement Is Possible
Speaking in County Fermanagh, Martin said the revised offer had significantly improved the prospects of reaching an agreement.
He said the Government wanted to prioritise lower-paid workers while recognising the impact of inflation and rising household expenses.
However, the Taoiseach acknowledged that trade unions would need to assess the proposal before deciding whether it provided an acceptable basis for a settlement.
Tánaiste Simon Harris also urged both sides to work towards resolving the dispute.
Speaking on RTÉ’s The Week in Politics, Harris said the Government had made substantial changes to its offer and called for further engagement to prevent disruption to public services.
He warned that industrial action could result in school closures and cancelled hospital appointments.
Fórsa Continues Preparations for November 12 Strike
Despite the revised offer, public sector unions are continuing preparations for a 24-hour strike on Thursday.
Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan described the negotiations as difficult and encouraged members to participate in planned demonstrations.
Eight rallies are scheduled between noon and 2pm in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Sligo, Tullamore and Letterkenny.
The largest demonstration is planned for Dublin, where striking workers could march from O’Connell Street towards Government Buildings.
The strike is scheduled to coincide with the European Political Community summit, which will bring more than 50 political leaders to the capital during Ireland’s EU presidency.
Public Sector Pay Talks to Resume on Monday
Government and union representatives are due to resume engagement on Monday, November 9, with an independent group chaired by Workplace Relations Commission chair Kevin Foley.
Meetings held on Sunday were adjourned without an announced agreement.
Unions have argued that the Government’s earlier proposals failed to adequately address inflation and the cost-of-living pressures facing public servants.
The dispute previously resulted in a nationwide strike involving more than 300,000 public sector workers on October 14.
Union leaders have warned that further industrial action, including rolling strikes across individual sectors, could follow if negotiations fail.
Opposition Criticises Government’s Handling of Pay Dispute
Sinn Féin TD John Brady questioned why the Government had not presented a stronger pay offer earlier, arguing that previous industrial action could have been avoided.
Independent TD Paul Gogarty also criticised the timing of the negotiations and called for a pay settlement that takes inflation into account.
Minister of State Marian Harkin expressed hope that both sides could reach a sustainable agreement.
