Workers cannot continue to shoulder the burden of the cost-of-living crisis - according to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

It's making the warning ahead of its three-day delegate conference, that opens in Kilkenny this morning.

Congress President Kevin Callinan says urgent pay rises are needed to address the unacceptable decline incomes and living standards.

He says they're anxious to empower young people, who are among the hardest hit: