New collective bargaining laws to radically transform Ireland's industrial landscape

As companies across Ireland’s tech, food, pharmaceutical and consulting sectors announced widespread lay-offs, trade unions have had an exceptionally busy year, writes Emer Walsh

Demonstrators on O'Connell Street during a pre-budget protest organised by the Cost of Living Coalition. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

With big banks going bust, simultaneous film releases smashing box office records, tech summit CEOs resigning and world leaders racing to regulate AI, 2023 has undoubtedly been a busy year for business.

From inflation steadying and energy prices falling to lending rates rising while savers were forgotten, one topic in particular managed to dominate Irish headlines last year.