asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that Messrs. Molloy and Company, building contractors, Cathedral Place, Limerick, have notified their employees that an increase in wages granted by them on June 5th has been withdrawn as from July 4th by direction of his Department; whether, in fact, the firm was notified that proceedings would be instituted against them by his Department unless the wages were reduced; whether he is aware that the men have now suffered a reduction of 1½d. per hour as a result of the action of his Department; and if he can now say whether men in similar employment adjacent to Messrs. Molloy's jobs are being paid the higher rate; and, if so, on what grounds his Department interfered to reduce the wages of Messrs. Molloy's men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wage Increase in Limerick.
I am aware generally of the circumstances of the case referred to by the Deputy. Messrs. Molloy and Co. increased the wages of certain workers as and from June 5th, contrary to the provisions of Emergency Powers (No. 166) Order, 1942. The attention of the employers was directed to the terms of the Order and they were advised that no increase in rates of remuneration should be made except in accordance with the procedure laid down in that Order. This procedure would permit of an application for the making of a Wages (Standard Rate) Order in respect of the class of workers concerned, employed in that area. The standard rate of wages is defined in the Order at the rate recognised on the operative date by trade unions and employers as applicable to such employees or the rate of wages paid as at the operative date by good employers to such employees. I understand that an application for a Wages (Standard Rates) Order is about to be made. With regard to the Deputy's query whether men in similar employment in the same locality are being paid at higher rates, I am having inquiries made to satisfy myself that in such cases there has not been a breach of the Order also. If there has been no such breach, the rates paid to such workers at the appropriate date would constitute evidence of value in the determination of the impending application for a Wages (Standard Rate) Order.