The trade union, Unite, yesterday warned that Irish workers put in more hours, pay more for good and services and earn less than their European counterparts
 
Referencing recent CSO figures, the trade Union claims that Ireland has the third highest price levels in the EU, behind only Denmark and the UK. Unite stress that when prices are factored in, Irish wages fall 16% below the EU-15 average. At the same time, Irish workers put in more hours on the job than other Europeans, according to Unite.
 
The Trade Union says that compared to other small open economies, Ireland's nominal wages are 24% below average and 28% below average when prices are factored in.
 
Speaking yesterday, Unite Regional Secretary, Jimmy Kelly said, "Addressing Ireland’s living standards crisis will require a three-pronged strategy:  strengthening workers’ rights, raising Employers’ PRSI to fund improved income supports and public services, and raising the wage floor for the low-paid. In the short term, this means significantly increasing the Minimum Wage as part of a strategy to increase it to the level of the Living Wage and ensure that those at the bottom of the income pyramid have a minimum acceptable standard of living."

Source: www.businessworld.ie