Average wages for young workers in Ireland are over 8% lower than in 2008, according to new research from the union-backed Nevin Economic Research Institute (NERI). But average pay for older workers has now surpassed pre-crisis levels.

Government plans to increase the State pension age to 68 will place Ireland’s retirement age among the highest in the world, according to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).

Fórsa official Andy Pike says there are signs that civil service management is willing to show some flexibility on salary progression in jobs where they are having trouble attracting staff.

The creation of Fórsa provides an opportunity to build on the work undertaken by the former CPSU, IMPACT and PSEU in the area of equality. The new union represents a diverse workforce across many sectors within the public service, the semi-state sector, and elsewhere.

A 12-strong team of eight cyclists and four volunteers wants Fórsa members and branches to get behind them as they compete in the Race Around Ireland cycling event in memory of crewman Ciarán Smith of Rescue 116.

In this episode we speak to Dr. Laura Bambrick of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on the government's proposed pension reform, Fórsa official Andy Pike on progress in the civil service on pay flexibility and more. Presented by Hazel Gavigan.