asked the Minister for Labour his views on whether there is any cause for concern that jobs might be lost if minimum wage fixing machinery is incorporated in industrial relations legislation.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Minimum Wages.
10.
Minimum wage fixing machinery in the form of joint labour committees is already an established part of our industrial relations legislation. The Industrial Relations Act, 1946, contains detailed provisions in relation to these committees.
There are at present 17 joint labour committees in existence covering about 30,000 workers. The sectors of employment covered by these committees are generally characterised as being non-unionised and/or with low rates of pay. From time to time difficulties arise for the committees in attempting to reconcile the expectations of the workers covered in relation to increases in pay and the need to maintain a competitive advantage in terms of products.
In the light of experience of the operation of JLCs I am proposing amendments to JLC procedures as part of my review of industrial relations legislation.
In general, in my view the minimum wage-fixing machinery has worked well in protecting workers in areas where trade union organisation is weak. Considerable arrears of wages continue to be collected in respect of law clerks, catering and hotel workers.
Can the Minister indicate what will be the thrust behind the amendments he intends introducing to the industrial relations legislation which will give effect to these changes?
I am not sure that this is the time to do so. One of the biggest bones of contention is the way in which the JLC's are presently comprised, particularly as regards independent members, and we have some proposals in this regard. Both the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Federated Union of Employers are at present on different wavelengths on this issue and I am trying to seek a compromise in order to keep what I think is a good system and perhaps to strengthen it.
The Minister is speaking primarily about non-unionised low paid occupations. Does the Minister intend introducing minimum wage fixing machinery for other groups, primarily unionised groups?
Under the 1946 Act the joint labour committees were based around the country. There were a number of groups such as farm labourers and law clerks which were difficult to incorporate in any union so that people could negotiate with them. There are 17 committees and they cover tailoring, shirt making, women's clothing and so on. They cover a great variety of areas and I do not think there is any need to extend them as the groups I mentioned are the only ones that are dispersed.