New evidence has emerged that the economic recovery is not benefitting workers sufficiently.
A survey by Social Justice Ireland has indicated that a single person would needs a minimum disposable income of €249.55 a week to avoid poverty. Two adults with two children need €589.96 a week.
But many workers are not receiving even these modest amounts. Just over 104, 000 workers do not hit these thresholds. They are part of Ireland’s growing army of the working poor.
What is even worse is that the numbers of workers in poverty has been rising since 2009 despite all the talk of economic recovery.
The main reason for this scandal is that, according to the Nevin Institute, a quarter of Irish workers are earning less than the Living Wage, which is set at €11.45. This broader pool of 345,000 people is mainly composed of women workers, young workers, retail workers, those in the hospitality industry and those on temporary contracts.
The main reason for poverty wages has been the weakening of the trade unions. Union membership has declined – particularly among the demographic most affected by poverty wages.
The legacy of social partnership has meant that unions are no longer mobilising for wage claims that significantly re-distribute wealth.
The success of unions in forcing Ryanair to the negotiating table shows that union busters can be defeated. But this will take a dramatic shift in strategy and one that involves a ‘Return to the Unions’ campaign that seeks to enforce a Living Wage on employers.
