asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of the practice of many contract cleaning firms in employing women for only 17 hours a week or less, with the result that these do not receive protection under the unfair dismissals legislation and do not qualify for holiday pay, redundancy payments, or maternity benefit; if he is aware that many trade union officials believe that this is a deliberate policy to attempt to get around legislation introduced to protect the interests of workers; if he intends to take any measures to deal with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Contract Cleaning Industry.
18.
It has been represented to me by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions that the practice referred to has been followed by certain employers. It will be appreciated that I have no power to compel employers to employ persons for any particular minimum number of working hours. The number of hours to be worked is a matter for negotiation between the employer and employee in each particular case. I can say though that I deprecate the actions of those employers, not only in the contract cleaning industry, but also in other industries and services, who reduce the working hours of their employees for the specific purpose of depriving the employees of the benefits of various workers protection Acts administered by my Department.
I am very much aware of the problems of all part time workers. The House will be aware that last year I introduced legislation which reduced to 18 hours a week the minimum number of hours which part time workers had to work to be eligible for protection under the Unfair Dismissals Act, the Redundancy Payments Acts and the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act.
In regard to contract cleaing employees in particular, the Deputy is, no doubt, aware that the Labour Court, in exercise of its powers under the Industrial Relations Acts, last year established a joint labour committee to deal with conditions of employment of workers engaged in contract cleaning work in Dublin city and county. Earlier this year the Labour Court made an employment regulation order, on foot of proposals from the joint labour committee prescribing minimum wages and entitlements for such employees. I should mention that such Labour Court orders are not restricted in their application to employees working 18 hours a week but can apply to those working 17 hours or less. I understand that the present employment regulation order will be reviewed in due course.
I have recently received a study sponsored by the Employment Equality Agency relating to the working conditions of part time cleaners, which is being considered at present in my Department.