asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) what representations have been made to his Department respecting the rate of wages paid to the workers engaged on the construction works at Rhynana air base, Newmarket-on-Fergus; (b) what reply his Department made to these representations; and (c) what decision, if any, has been communicated by the workers' organisation to his Department in respect of his reply to their representations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages at Rhynana Air Base
A recently formed body entitled. "The Rhynana Labour Union" applied to the Commissioners of Public Works in January for wage increases of 6d. an hour for unskilled labourers at the Shannon Airport; 7d. an hour for pipe layers; and 5/- a day for carters. The granting of these increases would mean that unskilled labourers would receive 56/- per week; pipe layers 64/- per week, and carters 14/- a day.
The Commissioners informed the applicants that their representations had been carefully considered, and that it was not proposed to make any alteration in the existing rates of wages.
Later the committee of the union informed the Commissioners that unless rates of pay were increased, the workmen would withdraw their services on Monday the 21st February, 1938. The workmen have, in fact, withdrawn their services as from that date.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary consider that 32/- a week with the condition of broken time operating constitutes an adequate wage to support a man and his family?
I am satisfied that the rate as set out is right and proper.