The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has decided to approach the Department of Finance for talks on the benchmarking report. A meeting is expected to take place by the middle of next week.
The decision, which was taken following a meeting of the ICTU Public Services Committee today, includes a determination to discuss the full implementation of recommended pay increases and the modernisation of the public services.
Spokesperson for the ICTU Mr Bernard Harbor told ireland.comthe ICTU is resolved to ensure that the agreement, made under the PPF, to backdate 25 per cent of any recommendations issued by the Benchmarking Body to December 2001, is kept.
Mr Harbor said the ICTU is also "anxious" that the balance of recommended payments be implemented as soon as possible.
The ICTU’s decision to approach the Department of Finance comes ahead of finalised responses to the report by individual unions associated with the Congress, which are expected at the end of September.
But, Mr Harbor said, today’s decision by the ICTU will not impact on the consultation meetings of individual unions.
Also today it emerged that members of the Irish Defence Force are unhappy with the outcome of the benchmarking report.
Speaking today, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Colm Mangan said: "I understand there is a measure of disappointment in some ranks". Those most displeased, he said, were "from sergeants down".
But, he said, other ranks within the Force were "more pleased" with the suggested pay increases.
However, the Prison Officers Association said it was likely its members would reject their 4 per cent award.
General secretary Mr John Clinton said such a move would not be made until after a period of consultation with members.