TALKS ON AN extension of the Croke Park Agreement will get underway today, with pay and pensions in the public sector being examined.

Representatives of 26 worker groups will meet to discuss potential changes to the existing agreement before moving to the Labour Relations Commission.

The Government seeks savings of 300 million for 2013 and €1 billion over three years by agreeing on significant changes to working conditions and pay.

Such cost-saving measures could include staff working longer hours for the same pay, with an additional four hours a fortnight on average being suggested for those who do not work a full 40-hour week at present.

Premium and overtime payments, such as extra pay for working on Sundays, will also be targeted in the talks.

The possibility of cuts to higher pay grades and increments will be discussed, and the possibility of voluntary redundancy packages offered to workers unsuitable for redeployment has not been ruled out.

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However, if a deal is reached by union leaders today it will still need to go to a ballot.