Calls for ‘immediate and significant’ pay rise for Waterford workers

Soaring inflation rates and stagnating wages leaving people unable to pay for everyday essentials has led to local Labour Councillor John Pratt calling for an ‘immediate and significant pay rise to both private and public sector workers in Waterford.

Cllr Pratt has called for such pay rises in Waterford in order to combat the increased cost of living.

“We continue to read reports on soaring inflation rates but there is deafening silence emerging from the government on how they will create the conditions to give everyday people some much-needed relief to pay for everyday essentials.

“We all know wages are struggling to keep up with inflation with real incomes falling for the first time since 2013,” Cllr Pratt said.

Despite pay rises negotiated by unions over the last year, inflation continues to increase, standing at 6.7% for March.

According to Cllr Pratt, the continued rise in inflation means that living standards are falling fast and he claims that the people in his native county of Waterford ‘ need a break’.

“The fact is that we are living in a low wage republic and that is simply not good enough. One in five workers in Ireland are low paid and Ireland needs a pay rise.

“We know increases in takehome pay can do the heavy lifting to protect people from spiralling inflation - especially for those who are experiencing the sharp end of rising energy, fuel and food prices,” he added.

PEOPLE ‘CAN’T WAIT’

Cllr Pratt went on to call for the introduction of a living income for all government staff and to provide support services in the public sector.

He also called for the €500 limit that employers can give workers in tax-free vouchers to be doubled.

“Coming out of the pandemic, people are demanding a better deal and the government has the power to take a lead. The Low Pay Commission should also pay real attention to Labour’s demand for an increase to the minimum wage without any further delay. People in Waterford can’t wait any longer for this much-needed change,” Cllr Pratt said.