The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has called on the Government to end “gimmicks and giveaways” and deliver a budget for workers.
In its pre-budget submission, ICTU said it wants to see double indexation of the income tax system to compensate workers for the absence of a tax package for PAYE workers in Budget 2026.
It is calling for a €1 increase in the minimum wage, reductions in the cost of using essential public services, an end to the payment cap freeze on pay-related jobseeker’s benefit and a timeline for introducing the promised pay-related parent’s benefit.
Congress said there also needs to be increased investment in public transport and green energy infrastructure, including targeted supports during winter where necessary.
“In recent years, time and again the Government has chosen costly short-term giveaways for those who shout the loudest,” said ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy.
He added: “Workers have seen billions go towards VAT cuts and tax breaks that do little for them and little to secure their future, all while their pay packets have to stretch further and further.
“If the Government is serious about workers’ living standards, and about the long-term health of the public finances, it has to end the gimmicks and giveaways, and invest in the workers that make this country run.”
