Irish Congress of Trade Unions" General Secretary Patricia King has urged union members to cast their vote in General Election 2016 for parties and candidates that will work for a fairer society through support for four key principles: the Living Wage, Decent Jobs, Fair Pensions and Good Public Services.
Patricia King said: 'the Congress Platform for a Fair Society highlights key issues for workers and it is our view union members and all who aspire to a better society should support those representatives who will work to make the Living Wage and decent jobs a reality, along with investment in key public services and fair pensions for all.
(The Congress Platform can be viewed here:
'the Congress Charter campaign has already revealed a strong left right divide in terms of support for fair conditions at work, with overwhelming support among parties of the left," Ms King said.
"Congress believes the Living Wage should be introduced across the economy as the only people who benefit from low pay are bad employers. Raising wages is the best antidote to national and global inequality. Voters should ask candidates in their area if they will support the Living Wage.
'similarly, investing in quality public services – like health and education - will boost economic growth, achieve a better quality of life for all citizens and help create a more equal society. We believe these services should be funded through a system of fair and progressive taxation.
Ms King said that "everyone at work is entitled to security of hours, certainty of income and union representation and that people in retirement deserved a living income that should be guaranteed though the pension system.
"We have some way to go on these key issues, but voting to support of candidates and parties who will work to make them a reality is the best place to start," Ms King concluded.
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