Responding to the Government announcement on the introduction of a Living Wage, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary, Patricia King, said: 'Congress has consistently campaigned over many years for the introduction of a Living Wage, today’s decision is a milestone towards addressing endemic low pay in the Irish labour market'.
The comprehensive and detailed research report from the Low Pay Commission puts forward a wide range of recommendations. It is not without its challenges.
While we acknowledge the 60 % median wage is the basis for the proposed rate it should be noted that The Low Pay Commission also recommends that the rate could be adjusted to 66% of the median wage in the future. ICTU believes this should be progressed immediately.
Last week Germany took the decision to move from a €9.82ph Minimum Wage to a €12.18ph Living Wage from 01st October. This is the level of ambition that is needed for the workers being hardest hit by the cost of living crisis. Given the current high inflation circumstances the introduction of the living wage should be accelerated, the first phase of which should have immediate effect.
It is Congress's view that the new living wage rate should be applied to all workers including young workers who do the same jobs, pay the same taxes, and have similar food and rent costs.‘We will continue to advocate for these adjustments directly with Government and the public consultation process.
