Civil servants are looking for pay rises of at least 7.2% to keep up with inflation during the cost of living crisis or they have threatened to go on strike.
A survey of 20,000 of the Forsa union’s 80,000 members found that four out of five of them are willing to strike if demands for pay rises to match inflation are not met.
Inflation is currently running at 7.2% according to the latest figures from the CSO for April.
Read More: Irish tourists heading to Spain face new rules from drink limits to smoking bans
Forsa represents the majority of civil servants in the country, with 84% of its membership representing this sector.
More than 80% of respondents to their survey said it was “very important” that pay negotiations secure increases that match inflation, and this response was especially high (90%) among younger workers.
The survey found a clear majority of respondents are in favour of Fórsa organising a ballot for industrial action if negotiated increases are below the rate of inflation, with only 5% opposed, while the remainder said they would consider their support for an industrial action ballot when details of any pay offer are known.
Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan, said: “There can be no doubt that the cost-of-living must continue to be the main focus for unions in pay talks this year.
“As and when public service talks get underway, unions will concentrate on a number of key cost-of-living issues, including the need to make good the shortfall in pay against inflation during the remaining term of the current pay agreement, which expires in December.
“We will also factor in the effect of any cessation of Government cost of living measures and supports - which this survey reveals as a core issue - in addition to anticipating cost-of-living projections over the period of any proposed agreement to emerge from talks with Government.”
Mr Callinan added: “The last few months have been very challenging for working people with food inflation, in particular, remaining stubbornly high.
“Unions are absolutely clear that last year’s Building Momentum review didn't fully compensate for the rate of inflation.
“When workers were weighing up the terms of that deal, they were also paying close attention to the Government’s intentions to introduce various measures, including budgetary tax changes.
“We’ve already made it clear to government and employers, if these supports are withdrawn and if prices remain elevated - as they surely will - the shortfall will have to be made good in wage bargaining across the economy.”
READ NEXT:
Met Eireann forecasts glorious weather ahead with sunshine and 20C temperatures
Armed gardai taser and arrest woman in 'hostage situation' after two men injured
Ex Ireland Eurovision finalist says Wild Youth's song 'wasn't original enough'
Leo Varadkar suggests some energy companies and supermarkets are profiteering
Podcast claims Joe Biden said 'I hate the English' in behind-closed-doors rant
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
