Congress Slams Supporters of Minimum Wage Cut as ‘Morally Bankrupt’ and ‘Political Cowards’

Congress General Secretary David Begg today accused Government TDs of “moral bankruptcy and political cowardice” as they prepared to vote in support of a cut to the Minimum Wage.

Speaking ahead of today’s expected vote on the wage cut, Mr Begg said: “Those who will vote to support this contemptible measure – Government TDs and independents – should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.

“It is a morally bankrupt act that will result in the de facto legalisation of a form of slavery in 21st century Ireland. They are taking €40 per week from working poor in the full knowledge that there is no economic, political, social or moral justification for it.

“Even the IMF has publicly confirmed that they did not seek or propose a cut in the Minimum Wage.” (Morning Ireland interview with Ajaj Chopra, Nov. 29)

“Government are pandering to the worst gombeen elements in the Irish business class. Be very certain, that extra €40 per week that will be taken from the pockets of the working poor will just disappear back into the pockets of those employers. It’s Christmas come early for them and misery for the low paid.”

Mr Begg said Government TDs and their supporters were attempting to rush the legislation through the Dail and stifle debate, in what amounted to a “clear corruption of democratic norms. Why are they refusing to have an open debate on this, refusing to take representations from constituents? Their behaviour is cowardly.”

“The reason they want to stifle debate is that they know full well that the measure cannot be justified.”

Mr Begg also revealed that the legislation actually envisaged a much deeper than the one euro per hour that had been stated, as the new rate would allow for inclusion of “an allowance in respect board and lodgings” and this would mean an even lower rate than €7.65 per hour.

“It is shocking that any Government TD or supporter could vote for this and retain a clear conscience,” he said.

Mr Begg said all those who wished to see this measure defeated could do so by supporting the amendment that was to be tabled by the Labour Party.