Government fears industrial strife as workers seek pay rises 

Siptu has called on the Government to step up and protect the rights of low-paid workers and to ensure they get pay rises that are in line with inflation. File picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

The Government is bracing itself for industrial strife as public and private sector workers are demanding pay increases of at least 5% to offset the rise in inflation.

The Cabinet sub-committee on the economy is to formally decide the final details of an inflation-busting package on Thursday to tackle the cost of living crisis, but trade unions and opposition parties are already demanding hikes in pay for workers.