O'Connor to address ICTU conference

ICTU President Jack O'Connor is due to address the organisation's conference in Killarney this morning.

Mr O'Connor is expected to criticise plans to reform JLC wage-setting agreements, which are expected to be discussed at the weekly Cabinet meeting later.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny last night told union delegates at the conference that wage restraint is central to the Government's programme for economic recovery.

He vowed to pursue high earners to ensure they pay their share in the recovery, and said the Government believes the burden of economic adjustment should not fall on ordinary workers alone.

But the Taoiseach said wage levels will have to be adjusted across the board in order to ensure that new jobs are created.

"How we behave in the labour market; how wages evolve by comparison to our competitors; and how costs generated within this economy evolve over time, are critically important for recovery and for jobs," Mr Kenny told delegates.