asked the Minister for Lands if he will consider the introduction of a five-day week for forestry workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Working Week of Forestry Employees.
59.
The introduction of a five-day week would not be practicable in the case of forestry workers.
Would the Minister say whether or not he is prepared to allow his Department to continue negotiations with the trade unions on this matter, or is he making a categorical statement that this is definitely out?
The Deputy is well aware that many difficulties arise in this matter. So far as forestry work is concerned, the adoption of a five-day week, without a reduction in working hours, would be impracticable in winter since working hours extend from daylight to dark; in summer, it would involve a standard day of nine and a half hours, with a ten hour day one day each week, these hours being exclusive of the luncheon break. The system we have seems to be working satisfactorily. I do not think there is anything further I can say.
Is the Minister not aware that practically every local authority in the country, and the forestry employees were very tightly bound up with them until a few years ago, is working a 45-hour five-day week for nine months of the year? Surely the Minister should be prepared to allow the matter to be further negotiated?
The Deputy knows that county councils have, in the main, a five and a half day working week of 45 hours. Other employees, such as agricultural workers, are on the same basis. I do not think forestry workers should be singled out from these other classes.
Surely the Minister is aware that since last year the majority of county council workers are working a five-day 45-hour week?
I question whether "the majority" is correct.
Twenty-five out of 26 counties should be enough.