Private sector pay lowest in EU

IRISH private sector wages are the lowest of any of the EU’s 10 wealthiest countries, a trade union claimed last night.

Unite, which last year became the county’s second biggest union following the merger of Amicus and the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers’ Union, said the figures justify its claims for wage increases above the level of inflation at the forthcoming national pay talks.

Taoiseach-designate Brian Cowen has warned increased wage demands by unions could accelerate inflation.