News you need today: Unions demand pay deals match inflation
Today’s update highlights a push for public sector wages to keep pace with inflation and a new communication pilot in the prison system. We also cover a safety-related cancellation at a major rally and a diplomatic critique from Michael D. Higgins regarding the European Union.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), the body representing trade unions in Ireland, is calling for future public pay agreements to be directly linked to inflation. The chair of the ICTU’s Public Services Committee stated that any deal between the government and unions must ensure workers' pay maintains its value against the rising cost of living.
A pilot program providing landline phones inside prison cells may be expanded to more facilities, including the high-security Portlaoise Prison. The initiative allows inmates to receive calls from a pre-approved list of family and friends. To maintain security, all calls made through these in-cell lines are recorded and monitored by prison authorities.
In County Donegal, organizers cancelled a stage of the Donegal International Rally following an incident that required emergency services. While the specific nature of the event was not detailed, the cancellation affected the schedule of the prominent three-day motorsport competition.
Michael D. Higgins has issued a sharp critique of the European Union, stating that the bloc lacks credibility regarding human rights and international law. The comments focused on the EU's adherence to global legal standards and its standing on the world stage.
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