The country's largest trade union says it wants to see the Universal Social Charge (USC) abolished.

SIPTU is launching a new campaign of protests against the charge in the new year.

It was introduced in Budget 2011 and replaced the health levy and income levy.

But the union says it was introduced against the background of the financial crisis, and since that is now over the charge should go.

SIPTU president Jack O'Connor told Newstalk Breakfast earlier those who earn more should pay more.

Newstalk's political correspondent Páraic Gallagher says this could be the next Irish Water-type headache for government.