asked the Minister for Labour if he is satisfied with the present position in relation to fixing of wages and enforcement of wages and conditions in the hairdressing industry; if he will outline the arrangements for agreeing wages and conditions in this industry; if he is concerned about reports of widespread exploitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Hairdressing Industry.
38.
At present there are two joint labour committees which fix statutory minimum rates of pay and regulate statutory conditions of employment of workers employed in hairdressing establishments in Dublin city and county, the Borough of Dún Laoghaire and the Urban District of Bray and the Cork County Borough. It is open to any trade union or organisation claiming to be representative of any class, type or group of workers to apply to the Labour Court for the establishment of new joint labour committees.
In hairdressing establishments located outside these areas pay and other conditions of employment of workers are a matter for negotiation between employers and workers or trade unions acting on their behalf. Under the Industrial Relations Acts disputes in relation to pay, hours of work or annual leave may be referred to a Rights Commissioner in cases where a small number of workers is involved, or to the Labour Court where a group of workers is involved.
Inspectors of my Department carry out inspections on a routine and complaint basis in relation to joint labour committees. In 1988, 300 inspections were carried out under the hairdressing joint labour committees and £4,434.32 was collected in arrears of wages. In 1987, 260 inspections were carried out under the hairdressing joint labour committees and £2,924.25 was collected in arrears of wages.
All complaints received in my Department are followed up and, where necessary, referred for consideration as to the institution of legal proceedings.