Mandate acknowledges progress ’embodied’ in draft JLC legislation

Thursday 22 December 2011

Union says much work remains to be done to address key issues like Sunday premiums and ‘inability to pay’ clause

The Mandate Trade Union has acknowledged the progress embodied in the draft JLC legislation published by Minister Richard Bruton today. Mandate’s General Secretary, John Douglas, said that this progress had been brought about by the hard work of many Oireachtas members, the trade union movement and campaign groups such as the Coalition to Protect the Low Paid.

However, Mr Douglas argued that much work is required to turn this Bill into a piece of legislation that the trade union movement can fully support particularly with regard to Sunday premiums and the ‘inability to pay’ clause introduced for employers.

“Since the High Court overturned the JLC system of regulating wages, terms and conditions for low paid workers, Mandate has been working with many others to ensure that a replacement system was put in place. We’re pleased that Minister Bruton is proposing such a replacement system in the Bill published today but aware that much work needs to be done to continue the fight to protect low paid workers.”

Mr Douglas welcomed the fact that the draft legislation is proposing:

· All workers previously covered by the JLC system will continue to be protected;

· There will be a basic adult rate and two higher rates based on experience and service as distinct from service only which was the Minister’s preference;

· JLCs must take account of wage rates in other ‘relevant jurisdictions’ not just Northern Ireland and Britain;

· JLCs will be able to provide for overtime rates, pensions and sick pay through the Code of Practice – which is a very welcome new development.

“On the other hand, we’re disappointed that the Bill does not explicitly provide for Sunday premiums but we will be working with our colleagues in the trade union movement and the NGO sector to ensure that the proposed Code of Practice has real teeth on this issue. In addition, we will be looking to see if the proposed ‘inability to pay’ clause can tightened up,” John Douglas concluded.