On 1 January 2023, the minimum wage increased by 80 cent. More benefits for workers were to come in the months that followed including breastfeeding breaks and domestic violence leave but the right to request remote work was not finalised, as expected, in 2023.
There were landmark employment law rulings that could have big impacts for retirement policies and gig economy workers.
Industrial unrest saw retained firefighters take to the picket lines but a major strike by workers in the community and voluntary sector was called off at the last minute
New employment rights
The year began with a boost for low-paid workers with the minimum wage increasing from 1 January to 11.30 per hour, a rise of 80 cent.
From 1 January 2024 it will increase again, rising to 12.70.
This followed a recommendation of a 12% increase from the Low Pay Commission.
In its submission to the Commission, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) had called for a 2 increase in 2024. ICTU also called for the ending of sub-minimum pay rates for young workers, describing them as outdated and grossly unfair.
This was rejected by the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association (ISME) who said it was "nonsensical" to suggest that sub-minimum rates of pay are discriminatory.
From July 2023, workers became entitled to extended breastfeeding breaks and new unpaid leave rights as part of the Work-Life Balance Act.
Under the legislation, the entitlement to breastfeeding breaks was extended from six months up to...
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