ICTU seeking €1.75-an-hour increase in minimum wage

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is seeking a €1.75 increase in the national minimum wage from May 1 this year.

ICTU is seeking the increase during a Labour Court review of the minimum wage that was promised as part of the second phase of the Sustaining Progress agreement.

At present, the minimum wage stands at €7-an-hour, but Congress wants this increased to €8.75-an-hour.

Speaking at the beginning of the Labour Court review today, ICTU general secretary David Begg said such measures were needed to address the growing gap between rich and poor.