ICTU votes to enter talks on new national pay deal
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has voted in favour of entering into negotiations on a new national wage agreement.
A motion to enter the talks, which could begin as early as next week, was passed at a conference in Dublin today.
ICTU, which represents more than 50 unions, is seeking pay increases which are at least in line with inflation, as well as improved pensions and measures to protect agency workers.
They will have a tough time securing such measures, however, as employers' groups and the Government have already been talking down the prospect of pay rises.
They say that pay demands could harm Ireland's competitiveness at a time of slowing economic activity.
