The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is to advise affiliated unions in the private sector to seek pay increases of 4% in 2017.
The Congress Private Sector Committee will recommend that unions seek the 4% rise and that this should mean a rise of at least €1000 per year for workers across the sector.
The Chair of the Private Sector Committee John Douglas said Congress will circulate affiliated unions with a briefing that sets out the rationale and key data in support of the pay claim.
Mr Douglas said that all relevant data showed that labour costs had fallen in recent years, productivity had risen and profits had increased, while wages remained flat.
"People have seen their living standards either stagnate or fall over recent years as a result of austerity and rising costs. The best way to address this deficit and to help grow the economy is through wage increases," Mr Douglas said.
