asked the Minister for Labour whether he is aware that in circumstances of high unemployment many individuals are being exploited having to work for long hours for very low wages; if he will introduce minimum income legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Minimum Income Legislation.
175.
Generally, rates of pay in this country are a matter for negotiation between employers and employees and the trade unions of which they may be members. In a number of sectors of the economy, which were traditionally poorly paid or where trade union organisation was weak, statutory minimum rates of pay apply. These rates of pay are determined by Joint Labour Committees, which are representative of employer and trade union interests in the industry, and given legal effect by the Labour Court when they are incorporated in employment regulation orders.
It is open to a trade union or any organisation or group of workers claiming to be representative of any workers to apply to the Labour Court for the establishment of a Joint Labour Committee.
Important elements of the Programme for National Recovery are the draft pay agreements covering the public and private sectors over the next three years. The draft agreements are specifically weighted in favour of the lower paid. The private sector agreement has been ratified by the Federated Union of Employers while on 19 November a special delegate conference of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions will consider the question of ratifying the agreements.