Private sector unions are to seek flat rate pay increases of at least €30 per week for over a million workers earning below average industrial earnings of €38,000.
Following the collapse of national pay talks last weekend, private sector unions say they must immediately lodge pay claims at enterprise level in order to protect their workers from inflation and rising costs.
They stress that they are not engaged in a 'phoney war'.
According to UNITE National Secretary Jerry Shanahan, Revenue figures reveal that 1.4 million workers earn less than average industrial earnings of €38,000 a year.
The low paid have been particularly hard hit by rising inflation - and particularly by price hikes in fuel and food.
Private sector unions say that for workers earning above €38,000, unions will be seeking at least 5% to match inflation - but may seek more in profitable businesses.
They will also be seeking improved working conditions including additional holidays.
SIPTU President Jack O'Connor stressed that unions were not engaged in a phoney war - and that as far as they are concerned, 21 years of social partnership on pay is at an end.
However, he said they would deal reasonably with companies that engaged constructively with their claims.
IBEC's Brendan McGinty stressed yesterday that many firms simply could not afford increases in the current economic climate.
The Taoiseach has said he wants to meet the social partners at the end of August to review the situation.
