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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Dec 1977

Vol. 302 No. 10

Written Answers. - Overtime Ban.

36.

asked the Minister for Labour if he has entered into any discussion with employers' organisations and trade union officials regarding the high incidence of overtime and the advantages to young unemployed people if a ban on overtime were to be agreed.

Under our collective bargaining procedures any changes in overtime arrangements would be a matter for negotiation between trade unions and employers. Reports which I have seen on the situation in particular enterprises indicate that the relationship between a reduction in hours worked and increased job opportunities cannot be examined in isolation from other factors, such as the economic working of the enterprise and its capacity to meet demand and thus safeguard the jobs of those employed in it. I am however continuing to study the matter and I plan to include it in discussion with trade unions and employers in due course.

In the present difficult employment situation, I would however hope that when a choice arises between overtime and increased employment, the decision taken would if possible be to increase employment. A number of the measures introduced to aid youth employment would encourage such a decision. As an example, I might mention the employment incentive scheme which offers an immediate advantage to an employer who recruits additional youths—possibly as a consequence of curtailing overtime. The premium for young people was, incidentally, increased recently from £10 to £14 a week.

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