Ireland’s minimum wage turns 25 today
Tuesday 1 April 2025When the National Minimum Wage Act came into force on 1 April 2000 it set the lowest rate of hourly pay all employers can legally pay their employees, and kick-started a debate on its implications that still rumbles on to the present day.
As part of the upcoming Trade Union Week celebrations, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions will be marking the 25th anniversary with a half-day conference on May Day, Tuesday 1 May.
Senior union officials will reflect on:
- trade union involvement in the introduction of the minimum wage.
- its impact on earnings, employment and employers.
- the EU adequate minimum wages directive.
- implications for collective agreements in low-wage sectors.
- what’s next for the minimum wage?
