Trade unions set to ratify pay deal

THE country’s trade unions are expected to ratify the latest social partnership agreement later today, clearing the way for pay increases of 10% over 27 months for more than 500,000 workers.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) special delegate conference takes place this morning to debate the Towards 2016 deal. Each union will be represented by a number of delegates who will vote in line with the outcome of their own ballots.

However, there will be a number of notable absentees from among ICTU’s 44 affiliates in the Republic.