We, the undersigned trade union members, note that the government has made small concessions to farmers, hauliers and contractors that have cost €500 million. But many workers have received nothing.

700,000 households in Ireland use kerosene to heat their homes – but there is no subsidy. Over 350,000 households are in energy arrears. We are crucified by the rising cost of food, but this government refuses to invoke price control orders. Government policies have led to an increase in rents.

The same FF/FG government that made concessions to small business people tells workers that there is no money to pay for higher wages or to protect the majority of people from price rises. We disagree. There must be substantial pay rises for workers.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has stated that “The Government has set a clear precedent. Workers will remember it.”

We agree, but now is the time to turn words into deeds. We need a workers' protest about the cost of living. We need one simple demand:

Price Caps on essential items – food, energy, and rent.

We urge workers to attend the May Day marches on Friday 1st May to press for this demand.  

This should be a signal for a subsequent Workers' Day of Action, including walk-outs, to demand price caps.