Public sector unions to meet over possible strike action

Updated / Monday, More than 300,000 public sector workers went on strike earlier this month Brian O\u0027Donovan By Brian O'Donovan Work & Technology Correspondent Public sector trade unions will meet today to discuss possible strike action on Wednesday 11 November over delays in agreeing a new pay deal. Talks on an agreement were adjourned on Friday night with unions claiming the process had reached a "significant impasse". The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has requested that a Government-appointed group assist in the stalled pay talks. Unions are expected to meet the group tomorrow but before that they will gather today to consider proposals for a strike on Wednesday week, which would include a major demonstration in Dublin and other rallies in regional locations. Over the weekend, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Jack Chambers expressed disappointment that despite intensive negotiations over 10 days, the public service pay discussions have not yet delivered an agreed outcome. Mr Chambers said that he recognised the efforts of all parties over recent weeks and thanked the WRC for its role in supporting the discussions. He added the Government remains committed to agreeing a fair and credible pay deal for workers across the public service that is also affordable and sustainable for the country. The independent group is chaired . The body previously said it would be available to assist in the event of an impasse being reached. Delays in agreeing to a new public sector pay deal led to a 24-hour strike 300,000 public sector workers last month. Public sector workers, including teachers, nurses and doctors, took part in the strike on 14 October - in the biggest day of national strike action since the aftermath of the 2008 economic crash. A second planned strike was suspended to allow for talks, however industrial action in the form of a work-to-rule is continuing across the public sector. More stories on News Business Ireland work