The National Minimum Wage Act, 2000 became law on 1 April and it was estimated that 163,000 employees would benefit from the Act.
The Act does not apply to an apprentice within the meaning of or under the Industrial Training Act, 1967, or the Labour Services Act, 1987. The apprenticeships concerned are set out in the Labour Services Act, 1987 – Apprenticeship Rules, 1997 (SI No. 168 of 1997).
The classes of apprentices listed under SI No. 168 of 1997 are: carton maker, printer, originator, bookbinder, bricklayer, plasterer, painter-decorator, vehicle body repairer, agricultural mechanic, aircraft mechanic, refrigeration craftsperson, sheet metal worker, cabinet maker, wood machinist, plumber, metal fabricator, heavy vehicle mechanic, toolmaker, construction plant fitter, motor mechanic, carpenter-joiner, fitter, electrician, instrumentation craftsperson, and floor-wall tiler.
These apprenticeships lead to craft worker status for the apprentices who complete their apprenticeship.
Other apprentices, such as apprentice hairdressers, who do not fall within the above categories are covered by the Act.