RSF: Employers' Resistance to pay nincrease for low-income Workers ‘Exploitative'

national | worker & community struggles and protests | press release Wednesday September 10, 2008 20:36 by Republican Sinn Féin - Republican Sinn Féin saoirse at iol dot ie Republican Sinn Féin, 223 Parnell St, Dublin 1 8729747

Resistance by employers to concede a pay increase for low-paid workers is a further example of the increased exploitation of the most vulnerable people in Irish society, a spokesman for Republican Sinn Féin has said...

Republican SINN FÉIN Poblachtach

EMPLOYERS’ RESISTANCE TO PAY INCREASE FOR LOW-INCOME WORKERS ‘EXPLOITATIVE’ – RSF

Resistance by employers to concede a pay increase for low-paid workers is a further example of the increased exploitation of the most vulnerable people in Irish society, a spokesman for Republican Sinn Féin has said.

“The low-paid can ill-afford to weather the current economic storm without any assistance,” said Richard Walsh, Director of Publicity for Republican Sinn Féin.

“Employers are constantly seeking to maximise their own personal profits, and it is unsurprising that they would seek to avoid granting even a marginal nominal pay-rise to those they exploit.

“In light of current levels of inflation, a pay-freeze for these people effectively amounts to a cut in wages. Already an inordinate percentage of their wages are absorbed by the cost of energy, fuel and food. Any suggestion that the low-paid should forego an increase in wages along with those on high incomes is deeply cynical.”

ENDS