Kenny to cave over industrial action and offer public sector workers better deal

Talks on a new pay deal for workers in the public sector will be brought forward by Taoiseach Enda Kenny following the numerous threats of industrial action from workers across the sector.

It was revealed yesterday that care workers could be the next group to strike, which would come directly after ASTI members and Gardaí announced strike action.

The Sunday Independent today report that Kenny will give in to the demands of the unions and begin talks on a new deal. The Lansdowne Road Agreement is not due to expire until 2018, but the government's decision to accept the recommendation from the Labour Court to offer a €50 million pay deal to Gardaí is seen as a breach of the agreement by some unions.

That means that there is an increased likelihood of the Lansdowne Road Agreement being shelved early, and a new deal could be put in place that offers workers in the public sector more.