ICTU: Private unions should seek 3.1% pay hike

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is urging unions in the private sector to seek a minimum pay increase of 3.1% and compensation for what it termed the “excessive costs” of housing, childcare and pensions.

ICTU makes the call in its Private Sector Bulletin, which cites the improving economic and labour market situation and the increasing costs associated with childcare and housing as some of the reasons for the new pay claim.

The union’s private sector committee issued the advisory on pay bargaining for 2018 to member unions in the private sector, and says “through the normal collective bargaining processes and where appropriate, affiliate private sector unions should seek compensation for the excessive costs associated with housing, childcare provision and pensions.