A protest outside Leinster House called for the abolition of sub-minimum wage rates, with about 20 people demonstrating against the current wage disparities. The national minimum wage stands at €12.70 per hour, but for those under 19, the rates drop significantly to €11.43, €10.16, and €8.89 for different age groups. Mandate trade union criticized these lower rates as unfair and discriminatory towards young workers, as they perform the same tasks as their older counterparts.
Divisional Organiser Greg Caffrey highlighted the need to end this exploitation and discrimination by scrapping the sub-minimum wage rates. Last week, the Low Pay Commission recommended the abolition of these rates, with Minister Peter Burke announcing that an economic impact assessment will be conducted before a government decision is made.
Support for the protest has been growing, with calls for equal pay for equal work resonating among the public. The fight for fair pay continues as the government reviews the recommendations to ensure a more just and equitable wage system.