The Government has set out its demands for increased productivity and reform at the public service pay talks.
They include more outsourcing, as well as changes to premium payments for Saturday working, rostering, performance, management and accountability
Management also wants to examine Saturday working and connected premium payments, with a view to making Saturday a standard working day.
They also want to increase the geographic limit for redeployment without compensation from 45km to 60km, as well as more open recruitment from the private sector.
They will also be looking at working patterns and family friendly arrangements, as well as rostering, and time/attendance systems.
The Government side wants to enhance performance management and accountability.
Professionalisation and reskilling are also on the agenda, as well as standardising salary payment cycles across the public service.
Some grades are still paid on a weekly basis which is viewed as inefficient.
According to a Department of Finance briefing, the Government will have fiscal space of €3.6 billion between now and 2021.
Delegates at the talks were told there will be €600 million available in 2018; however with €400 million of that already allocated it leaves €200 million for potential pay rises next year.
There will be more flexibility in 2019, 2020 and 2021, when the fiscal space will be €1 billion per year.
It is understood the briefing also noted that pay was competing for resources with social welfare, childcare and other priorities.
Talks between the Government and public service unions on a new pay deal, an extension to the Lansdowne Road Agreement, for over 300,000 government employees got under way this morning.
What are the key sticking points in the public pay talks? @ingridmileyRTE reports https://t.co/C6S15Uvbdx pic.twitter.com/tOI6gTz1sC
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On his way into the talks, head of communications at Impact Trade Union Bernard Harbour said the first priority of the trade union side is to "get the quickest possible unwinding of the pay cuts and pension levies that were introduced during the economic crisis".
The discussions started with an economic briefing outlining international risks such as Brexit and the fiscal constraints which will form the backdrop to the talks.
There has been speculation of pay increases, or restoration as some call it, totalling 6% over three years, though phasing will depend on affordability.
However, there will be problems over demands by doctors' and nurses' unions for extra pay rises to combat recruitment and retention problems - a prospect ruled out not just by the Government but by fellow unions.
Workplace Relations Commission Director General Oonagh Buckley has said today's talks will be an initial preliminary stage where people set out their positions.
In respect of the WRC's initial engagement with both sides there are some substantive issues to be dealt with over the course of the talks to come.
Ms Buckley said the commission had effectively cleared its decks on the conciliation side with the exception of a couple of urgent sides and the entire team would be focused on the public service pay round.
The negotiations will address issues including pay restoration, pensions, reduced pay scales for newer recruits, and changes to terms and conditions imposed during the economic crisis.
The parties are hoping to conclude the talks by 2 June, however, some sources have described that target as ambitious.
Pensions will be contentious as the State seeks higher contributions from some for their guaranteed benefits.
Further conflict is expected over union demands for abolition of reforms such as longer working hours.
Sources describe Friday week's target for completing the talks as ambitious, particularly given the ongoing transition in the Department of the Taoiseach.
