The national minimum wage is still lagging behind the living wage, which social campaigners argue is the level of earnings required to provide an acceptable standard of living, trade unions have maintained. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) said on Friday that while the economy in general was roaring ahead, the national minimum wage was still chasing the living wage levels. Living standardsIctu Industrial Officer Liam Berney said “The national minimum wage is still 40c lower than the €10.50 per hour committed to in the 2016 Programme for Government.”“The economy is roaring. Decent wages are of fundamental importance to building a fair and inclusive society.”“Congress calls on Government to align the national minimum wage as soon as possible with the living wage”. The Low Pay Commission recommended the national minimum wage in 2020 be increased by 30c, from €9.80 to €10.10.

Source: The Irish Times December 20, 2019 15:22 UTC