ICTU to promote case for pay rises above inflation

Dublin- The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is set to highlight its demand for pay increases above the rate of inflation when it releases its annual economic outlook today. The publication comes as the Government and the social partners prepare to enter talks on a new national pay deal.
Annual inflation of 5% has fuelled demands from the unions for pay rises to compensate workers for the rising cost of living.Business groups say any increases would damage their competitiveness and ignite another round of inflation. However, ICTU is expected to counter this view today and highlight what it says is a growing wage gap in both the public and private sectors.