asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that on the 26th March last and on several occasions subsequently the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union reported to his Department that a bacon curing company is paying its workers rates of wages less than those established by the Labour Court through the Joint Industrial Council for the bacon curing industry and operated by all the other employers in the industry; and if he is also aware that the union requested that in view of this, immediate and appropriate action be taken in accordance with Section 39 of the Pigs and Bacon Act, 1935, and if he will state the reason for the refusal and failure of his Department to ensure that the law is fully implemented in this case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Factory Workers' Wages.
Mr. Walsh
The Irish Transport and General Workers' Union have been in communication with my Department about the rates of wages paid by a bacon factory. I consider that the suggestion made by my Department to the union that the appropriate course in the first instance is to avail of the machinery provided under more recent legislation dealing with industrial relations, namely the Labour Court, is a reasonable one, especially as discussion of the matter was in fact initiated between the union and the firm some months ago under the aegis of the court. There is no question of my Department refusing or failing to ensure that the law is observed, but the taking of action by me under Section 39 of the Pigs and Bacon Act, 1935, would, in my opinion, be appropriate only if the firm should fail to implement a recommendation by the court.
The union concerned did take the matter to the appropriate tribunal, the Joint Industrial Council, which is part of the Labour Court. In view of the fact that thebacon factories are not in any way hard pressed now I cannot understand why the Minister should not insist on their complying with the Act.
Mr. Walsh
Has the bacon factory refused to implement the decision of the court?
The Joint Industrial Council gave a decision on the rates of wages but this factory refuses to pay those wages.
Mr. Walsh
Were they sanctioned by the Labour Court?
Of course.
Mr. Walsh
No representations have been made that the Labour Court gave a decision and that decision has not been implemented.
The Joint Industrial Council is part of the Labour Court machinery. I would ask the Minister to reconsider his decision in this matter. After all, the bacon factories are doing well and there is no reason why they should not comply with the decision and pay the proper wages.