There has been a €76 drop in real weekly wages over the past two years due to rising inflation, according to new research from the Unite trade union.
It shows that the real median wage in Ireland, adjusted for the impact of inflation, has fallen from €976 per week to €900 per week, since the first quarter of 2021.
Unite said that workers have seen an average 4.2% annual drop in real pay in the last year.
The union is highlighting the impact of soaring energy bills and food prices in a new series of research briefs, which are being released to arm activists with facts to use in pay negotiations.
On a visit to Dublin, Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said there will be a union fightback.
Ms Graham said: “Since the start of 2021, Irish workers have seen their real weekly wages drop by nearly €80, and while big business makes bonanza profits ordinary families struggle to heat their homes and put food on the table.”
“Unite’s new series of Work Voice Pay bulletins in Ireland will provide our reps and members with the tools they need to negotiate real pay increases,” she said.
“Employers here need to be aware that we’re now organising the union so that it can fight for jobs, pay and conditions as never before,” Ms Graham added.
Article Source: Weekly wages down €76 due to inflation – Unite – Brian O’Donovan – RTE