Trade unions have raised concerns about the slow pace of public service pay talks.

With the looming Christmas hiatus and the December 31st expiration of the Building Momentum agreement, the pressure is on to tackle the “considerable work” that remains to be done.

Talks adjourned on Wednesday and are due to resume on Monday when Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan is hoping to inject a sense of urgency into the negotiations.

“Progress has been undeniably slow so far, and that is disappointing,” said Mr Callinan.

Despite the slow progress, he said that it is significant that a commitment to repeal FEMPI in the context of a multi-year pay deal has been secured.

“While it represents an opportunity for unions to operate in an environment no longer bound by emergency measures, the intent of any draft legislation to deliver on that needs to be clear.”

The latest round of talks, which began in late November, is aimed at delivering on cost-of-living increases as those on lower and middle incomes continue to feel the squeeze.

Next week, the union is focused on stabilising any agreement and finding a means to address issues including public service grades, groups and categories, as well as futureproofing jobs.

“More work is needed to bring these items to a conclusion, and we will want to ensure existing protections, such as those on outsourcing, continue within the context of a new agreement,” said Mr Callinan.

“As in all negotiations, nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, and the pay element is likely to form the concluding phase of the talks process.”