Unions criticise Government's pausing of living wage
Irish trade unions have condemned the government's decision to delay the introduction of a statutory living wage from 2026 to 2029. The government claims the move provides certainty for employers, while unions argue it betrays low-paid workers.
Why it matters
This decision impacts the economic stability of low-income earners and reflects broader political tensions regarding labor rights and business interests in Ireland.
Trade unions have criticised the Government's decision to pause the introduction of a living wage.
It is different to the minimum wage and is defined as the least amount of income required for a single adult, working full-time, to afford a socially acceptable minimum standard of living in Ireland.
The living wage equates to 60% of median earnings and was originally scheduled for 2026 but the timeline was moved to 2029.
The Department of Enterprise said it was removing that timeline in order to provide certainty for employers.
In Budget 2027, it was confirmed that the minimum wage would increase by 79c to €14.94 an hour.
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