Over Half of Irish Workers Perceive Underpaid, ICTU Survey Reveals
More than half of Irish workers believe their pay doesn’t reflect their skills and effort, according to a new survey by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). The IrelandThinks poll, conducted among 1,850 individuals, found that 52% of workers feel their compensation doesn’t match their contribution, a rise from 44% who felt fairly compensated.
Power Imbalance in the Workplace
The survey also highlighted a significant power imbalance between employees and employers. Seven out of ten respondents reported feeling they lack the same negotiating power as their employers when discussing employment terms.
Gender Disparity in Workplace Influence
A notable gender disparity emerged in the research. Women are significantly more likely than men to feel excluded from workplace decision-making, with less than half reporting a meaningful say, compared to 60% of men.
ICTU Calls for Enhanced Employment Standards
The findings were released alongside ICTU’s “Good Jobs Report,” which advocates for increased government action to improve employment standards. ICTU is urging the government to legislate for a legal right for workers to collectively bargain through a union, increase statutory sick exit provisions, and raise the minimum wage to align with the living wage.
Key Demands from ICTU
In addition to the above, ICTU is also seeking:
- Pay-related family leave benefits
- Flexible working arrangements
Criticism of Current Government Policies
ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy criticized the government’s approach, stating, “The Government has given big business tax cuts and weaker workers’ rights, while people are struggling with pay that doesn’t match the work they do.” He further added, “The Government shouldn’t be content with an unambitious, bare-minimum approach to jobs.”
Mr. Reidy emphasized the importance of the “Good Jobs Report,” stating, “Our Good Jobs Report sets out clearly what the Government and employers can do to make sure everyone has decent pay, a secure job, and a say in their work.”
Ongoing ICTU Campaigns
ICTU is actively involved in several campaigns aimed at improving workers’ rights and living standards. These include the Raise the Roof campaign, which advocates for radical changes to housing policy to ensure secure and affordable homes for all. ICTU also held a Future of Collective Bargaining Seminar on June 13, 2024.