The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has launched its updated alternative strategy to restore the public finances.
Congress says its ten-point plan prioritises the protection of the vulnerable through an integrated recovery plan and says the Government can afford to increase borrowing to accommodate this.
The 'Better Fairer Way' rules out reductions in social welfare and states that pay cuts are counterproductive because they will trigger a deflationary spiral.
However, unions would like to see a new higher tax rate of over 54% for the wealthy.
ICTU General Secretary David Begg said there should be a clear demonstration that those best able to contribute to the current adjustment should be seen to do so.
It wants a €1bn jobs promotion fund and proposes a national recovery bond to fund infrastructure and stimulate employment.
There is a call to assist those at risk of losing their homes by establishing an 'office of indebtedness' as an alternative to court procedures, with a three-year protection period during which there would be no repossession.
ICTU also wants Government action to tackle the pension crisis, reform of the banking system and legislation enacted to enhance workers' rights.
Congress acknowledges that its alternative will not prevent pain and hardship, but says its approach is better and fairer.
Unions are trying to promote their alternative strategy ahead of what is expected to be an extremely tough budget on 9 December.
The Government has already signalled that it intends to cut €4bn from public spending next year, with €1.3bn coming from public sector pay.
INTO ballot over industrial action
The Irish National Teachers' Organisation is beginning a series of nationwide meetings to ballot members for industrial action.
The INTO executive is asking primary school teachers to support its call for up to three days of industrial action in response to threats to pay, pensions and conditions of employment.
The result of the ballot will be known on 16 November.
The other teaching unions, the ASTI and the TUI, will also ballot members on their response to proposed cuts.
Tánaiste Mary Coughlan has said the Government's preference is to have talks rather strikes.
She said it would be better if everyone came together for the betterment of the country.
