An Irish union has called on the Government of the Republic of Ireland to increase the minimum wage to €14 per hour in the next budget, which would represent an increase of €3.50 compared to the current rate.

The request comes from the union Mandate – which represents tens of thousands of workers in retail, pubs, and the administrative sector – and they have also officially included this request in their pre-budget submission published on Friday, 02 September 2022.

Also, as part of the submission, the union said that the upcoming budget should give people the opportunity to work more hours at their jobs if they want to. They also called for the abolition of lower minimum wage rates, a 50% reduction in public transport prices, and a 50% reduction in childcare fees.

“Our members, as well as those outside our union, are being severely squeezed between low wages and high living costs. The only sustainable solution is to increase income and reduce the costs of essential services that workers rely on,” said Jonathan Hogan, assistant general secretary of the Mandate union.

Hogan explained that the proposed figure of 14 euros per hour is based on last year’s calculation of the so-called “living wage” of €12.90 and that it should be guaranteed to all the most vulnerable workers in retail, pubs, and the administrative sector.

Source: Irska.ie