A new survey from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has found that more than half of workers believe that their pay does not match their skills and effort.
The IrelandThinks poll of 1,850 people reveals that 52% of workers say their current pay fails to match their contribution to their job, compared to just 44% who feel fairly compensated.
Seven out of ten respondents said they feel they do not have the same level of power as their employer when negotiating terms of employment.
According to the research, women are significantly more likely than men to feel shut out of workplace decisions, with less than half saying they have a meaningful say, compared to 60% of men.
The research findings are being released as ICTU publishes its good jobs report, which urges the Government to raise employment standards.
ICTU is calling for workers to have a legal right to engage in collective bargaining through a union, increased statutory sick leave, and a minimum wage that is in line with the living wage.
It is also seeking pay-related family leave benefits and flexible working arrangements.
"The Government has given big business tax cuts and weaker workers' rights, while people are struggling with pay that doesn't match the work they do," said ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy.
"The Government shouldn’t be content with an unambitious, bare-minimum approach to jobs."
"Our good jobs report sets out clearly what the Government and employers can do to make sure everyone has decent pay, a secure job, and a say in their work," Mr Reidy said.
