Economy

"Economic vandalism" - Irish Congress of Trade Unions calls on Government to drop VAT cut

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has today (23rd July) urged the Government to drop proposals for a €1bn cut in the VAT rate for the hospitality sector, calling it "economic vandalism”. The Government has previously suggested cutting the VAT rate following intense lobbying from the hospitality...

A New Economic Model

10 Jul, 2025

Congress, as the representative voice of workers on the island of Ireland, has developed this New Economic Model in conjunction with the Nevin Economic Research Institute. It is our contribution to the debate about how we want our society to look and what type of economy we aspire to for our...

Government's proposed 'private wires' policy could increase Ireland's risk of EU fines, ICTU warns

The Government's planned policy to allow privately owned electricity networks on public property represents a dangerous diversion of Ireland's limited infrastructure resources and could result in major EU fines, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions warned today. Last month, the Government signalled...

Irish Congress of Trade Unions unveils bold vision for “New Economic Model” at Biennial Delegate Conference

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has today (July 1st) launched a ground-breaking "New Economic Model" designed to reshape Ireland's economic future in response to mounting global challenges. Launching the proposals at ICTU's Biennial Delegate Conference in Belfast, General Secretary Owen...

Unions welcome government putting the brakes on bumper profits from childcare

Responding to confirmation that the fee cap for publicly funded childcare services is to be lowered and extended in September, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions general secretary Owen Reidy said: “Ireland is almost unique in Europe in not capping the childcare fees private providers in receipt of...

Congress convenes cross-party meeting with Opposition following Government backtracking on workers’ rights

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has today (May 15th) met with Opposition parties to discuss concerns about the Government's continued erosion of workers' rights. The cross-party meeting saw a senior team of union leaders, led by Congress General Secretary Owen Reidy, meet with Sinn Féin leader...

Rana Plaza Twelve Years On: Justice is as far away as ever

Introduction Just over a year ago we updated you all on EU developments in relation to corporate accountability - more here. Although limited in scope, t he transition from voluntary guidelines to mandatory human rights due diligence was a landmark moment for workers’ rights worldwide. The prospect...

Save the Date: Workers Memorial Day 28 April 2025

Congress, along with the Government, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), Ibec, and the CIF will collectively mark Workers’ Memorial Day on Monday April 28 at the national and annual commemorative event to remember people who died, were injured, made ill and bereaved through work-related accidents...

Trade unions must be part of Government’s response to Trump’s tariffs threat to jobs

Responding to the announcement of 20% tariffs on all EU goods entering the US, Irish Congress of Trade Unions general secretary, Owen Reidy said: “These tariffs are incredibly severe and clearly unwarranted, but unsurprising as they have been well flagged by the Trump administration. “What is clear...

PSU joined a delegation from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) Youth Committee in Brussels on 3 and 4 March 2025 to advocate for a strong Traineeship Directive.

Young workers need a Traineeship Directive that protects the most vulnerable

EPSU joined a delegation from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) Youth Committee in Brussels on 3 and 4 March 2025 to advocate for a strong T raineeship D irective. On 3 March, the delegation visited the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), where they met with General Secretary Esther...

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