The country’s largest trade union is calling for a 5 per cent wage increase across the economy.
SIPTU President Jack O’Connor also wants to see the establishment of a minimum wage of 11 euro 45 an hour.
He says the union will embark on a major campaign in the coming months to achieve these targets, as well as a replacement for the Universal Social Charge.
Mr O’Connor made the call at the commemoration of the death of Jim Larkin in Dublin. Glasnevin Cemetery:
Meanwhile, IBEC says talk of large, widespread pay increases are reckless, foolish and at odds with economic reality.
Responding to SIPTU, the group that represents Irish business, says many companies remain in survival mode and that keeping costs under control is vital to sustaining existing employment and creating new jobs.
Danny McCoy CEO of IBEC says that this campaign is not realistic
