The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has today met with Government, warning it to stop capitulating to business interests and focus on maintaining workers’ living standards.
The meeting was held as part of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF), which brings together trade unions, employers, and Government representatives.
Speaking after the meeting, Congress General Secretary Owen Reidy said:
"Our message to the Government today was clear: stop caving in to business demands at the expense of workers' living standards.
“People are being squeezed on every front and these costs are hitting workers in their pockets every single week. Yet when the Government is presented with a choice between supporting those workers or responding to the demands of those who shout the loudest, it has consistently chosen the latter.
"We put it to Government today that this approach is neither sustainable nor acceptable. Coherence and vision are required, or the Government risks wasting Ireland’s public finances and leaving workers with little to show for it.
“Double indexation of income tax credits and bands, meaningful reductions in the cost of public transport and public services, and real support for collective bargaining. These are the measures that would make a tangible difference to millions of workers and their families.
“Ultimately, the first and best response to a cost of living crisis is better pay. Trade unions will continue to review pay agreements across the economy as inflation increases, and we will not be found wanting when it comes to protecting our members’ standard of living.
“We sought from Government and it was agreed to enter into intense discussions on the trade union agenda on the cost of living.”
