SIPTU president Jack O'Connor has called for compulsory contributions by employers to occupational pensions schemes if the Government's voluntary scheme fails to improve its take-up.
Mr O'Connor accused employers of being unwilling to carry their fair share of occupational pension provision.
He also called for tax incentives to encourage those saving in the Government's special savings accounts to transfer their money to retirement funds.
SIPTU also wants the state to open pension schemes for children born after January 1 next, a €20 a week hike in old age pensions, and tax credits for low paid workers entering pension schemes.
But Brendan McGinty of the employers' organisation IBEC said mandatory pension provision by employers was an unrealistic proposition which could cost jobs.
