Unions step up benchmarking talks
Unions representing public servants are due to step up negotiations with the Government this week about the implementation of the benchmarking recommendations.
The benchmarking process, designed to bring public servants' pay in line with private sector rates, recommended average wage increases of 8.9%, but the Government has said these will only be implemented in return for increased productivity.
Teachers and healthcare workers both have grave reservations about this increased productivity clause.
Teachers have been asked to hold parent-teacher meetings outside of school hours, while health staff have been asked to sign up to a 'no strike' guarantee for the duration of any new social partnership deal.
