Zarah ChoudharyNorthern Ireland Civil Service staff working across the Road Service, Forestry, Rivers Agency, Environment Agency and Fisheries will meet with GMB to discuss a new pay deal the union received yesterday.
Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald announced a 20-month pay offer for civil servants covering the period 1st August 2024 to 31st March 2026.
The offer included a 3% consolidated rise from August 2024 to August 2025, then 6% from August 2025 to April 2026.
The offer was made following a series of negotiations with both industrial and non-industrial civil service unions.
Alan Perry, senior organiser at GMB, said: “We are disappointed the Minister for Finance was unable to find any additional money.
“But we acknowledge the proposal around longer term stability for workers.
“GMB will now begin a series of consultation meetings with members to discuss in more detail, before we can move to a formal ballot.
“It is too early to say if the ballot would come with any recommendations from GMB.”
Dr Archibald said: “I am committed to ensuring civil servants receive pay which recognises the valuable role they play in public service delivery.
“This 20-month offer is a first step towards longer term pay deals giving certainty to workers.
“The pay offer made today is a positive one that I hope will be well received by staff and unions.
“Given the current budgetary challenges I regret that I am unable to make a higher pay offer for 2024 that is at the same level as other public sector workers.
“Transformation of our public services will require the expertise of our staff.
“This offer if accepted would mean the majority of civil servants eligible for both pay awards will receive at least 9% increase on salaries over the 20 months recognising their vital work in delivering public services here.”
