Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 3

Written Answers. - Part-Time Workers Protection.

Jim Higgins

Question:

38 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in many cases large supermarket chains employ large numbers of part-time staff on extremely low wages; and if he will investigate and regulate this matter.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

I am satisfied that the statutory measures now in place provide substantial protection for part-time workers in supermarkets in relation to pay and conditions of employment.

A Joint Labour Committee for the retail grocery and allied trades was established in 1991. This led to the making of an Employment Regulation Order which came into force in May, 1992. This Order sets out statutory minimum rates of pay and conditions of employment for workers covered by the Order in all retail grocery outlets, including supermarkets. The Order, which applies to both full-time and part-time workers, covers such matters as rates of pay, hours of work, overtime and holidays.

The Order is enforced by the Labour Inspectorate of my Department. The inspectorate is in the process of visiting each retail grocery outlet covered by the Order. In addition, the inspectorate pursues reported breaches of the Order.

The rates of pay of workers in areas of supermarket chains other than retail grocery are largely matters for collective bargaining. However, a Registered Employment Agreement exists for the Footwear, Drapery and Allied Trades (Dublin and Dún Laoghaire). This agreement provides for legally enforceable pay rates for workers covered by the agreement, including those employed in clothing and footwear departments in supermarket chains in Dublin and Dún Laoghaire. The agreement is also enforced by the Labour Inspectorate of my Department.

The Deputy will also be aware that, in 1991, the Worker Protection (Regular Part-Time Employees) Act, 1991 was brought into effect. This Act extends to regular part-time employees, including those employed in supermarkets, the benefits of a wide range of labour legislation, such as legislation relating to unfair dismissals, minimum notice and terms of employment, holidays, redundancy payments, and maternity leave. Consequently, regular part-time workers are now entitled to essentially the same statutory entitlements as full-time workers under labour legislation.