Unions query state’s power to reduce wage

THE Irish Congress of Trade Unions has questioned the entitlement of the Government to reduce the minimum wage by €1 to €7.65.

The National Recovery Plan states the existing rate of €8.65, the sixth highest as a percentage of the average gross monthly earnings in the EU, is causing higher levels of unemployment in the sectors where it is most prevalent.

“Some workers will be willing to work for a wage lower than the national minimum wage but employers are restricted from providing these job opportunities,” the plan states. It adds the minimum: