asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists among the employees of the Great Northern Railway Company, Limited, in the traffic grades, due to the fact that under Section 9 of Holidays (Employees) Act, 1939, it is not mandatory on the employer to consult with or give adequate notice to employees who are required to work on statutory public holidays; that the necessity to work on such public holidays is often attended by family and personal inconvenience; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction and inconvenience especially manifested in the Dundalk area, he will consider amending the relevant section of the Act to provide for such consultation, or whether, alternatively, he will make representations to the company concerned to the end that some machinery for such consultation should be established.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Great Northern Railway Employees.
I have no representations to the effect that considerable dissatisfaction exists amongst the employees of the Great Northern Railway Company, Limited, in the traffic grades due to the fact that under Section 9 of the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1939, it is not mandatory on the employer to consult with or give adequate notice to employees who are required to work on statutory public holidays. As regards the rest of the question it is not proposed to introduce legislation amending the Act in the way suggested, nor am I prepared to make representations to the railway company concerned as I consider the matter is one for direct negotiation between the employees' representatives and the company.
Is the Minister not aware that there has been considerable dissatisfaction for quite a considerable time, and that representations have been made by the trade unions and that they have been unable to get satisfaction?
I have received no representations from any union in this matter.