PAYE workers must not be ignored by Government
PAYE workers must not be ignored by Government - The Labour Party
As the Labour Employer Economic Forum meets today, Labour Enterprise and Employment spokesperson George Lawlor, has warned the government that it cannot ignore PAYE workers, and must address their cost of living concerns.
Deputy Lawlor said:
“After the LEEF meeting today, we need to hear real commitments and concrete action from Government to address the cost of living concerns of PAYE workers.
“The Budget last October provided no relief for working people by failing to index income taxes and removed vital once off supports such as energy credits and a cost of disability payment.
“The fuel crisis has now exacerbated the cost of living crisis, and hard working families and small businesses are struggling with the increasing cost of electricity and gas, ever rising grocery prices and housing costs, and under resourced public resources.
“Labour has repeatedly warned the government that the hundreds of millions of euro in tax breaks and support schemes for those sectors shouting loudest is leaving hundreds of thousands of PAYE workers behind who will be left picking up the bill for these bailouts.
“Trade unions have every right now to seek significant pay rises for their members, and what is needed now from government is a comprehensive cost of living package that addresses rising prices.
“Labour has continually outlined the need for targeted energy credits .Ireland has the highest energy prices in Europe and today industry figures are warning that electricity bills will rise further in May. We have also repeatedly brought forward proposals for a real right to remote work alongside improved and cheaper public transport.
“Critically, better targeted SEAI grants alongside zero interest loans must be provided for those households that simply can’t afford retrofitting and the installation of solar panels. Government cannot forget PAYE workers who must now be supported to ensure a just transition.
“Grocery prices also continue to rise, and we would urge radical reform of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to give it powers to examine the profits and price setting of retailers, like those outlined in Labour’s Excessive Pricing Bill and to make grocery chains publish their prices.
“A lack of action from government on the cost of living crisis will be a signal to hundreds of thousands of workers who have been ignored since the Budget that only those that shout loudest will be heard.”