SIPTU says it will ballot its members for industrial action unless the Government commits to holding fresh talks on public service pay.

The union – which represents 60,000 public sector workers – wants the discussions to begin no later than February 1 next year.

SIPTU President Jack O’Connor (pictured) says the Government has seven days to issue an invitation to the Public Services Committee of the ICTU – or it will begin balloting for industrial action and/or strike action.