Labour vows to hike minimum wage by €2 over 4 years

Labour leader Joan Burton has promised the minimum wage would rise by a further €2 over four years, if her party is returned to power, and dismissed claims such a move could threaten the economy.

The Tánaiste and Labour leader said that if returned to government, she would increase the minimum wage by 50c a year over the next four years. She brushed aside suggestions by some in Fine Gael that it would threaten the recovery or improvements in the economy.

The minimum wage is already increasing by 50c in the new year, to an hourly rate of €9.15. This follows recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission earlier this year. Speaking to reporters yesterday, Ms Burton confirmed suggestions by Business and Employment Minister Ged Nash that the minimum wage would go up by €2 over four years, if Labour is returned.