asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to any abuse by employers in the hotel trade regarding pay and conditions of employees in that business; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pay and Conditions in Hotel Trade.
150.
The position is that the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) made by the Hotels Joint Labour Committee under the Industrial Relations Act, 1946, fixes statutory minimum rates of pay and regulates statutory conditions of employment of workers employed in hotels anywhere throughout the State, except the county boroughs of Dublin and Cork and the borough of Dún Laoghaire. In the areas not covered by the ERO, pay levels are determined by collective bargaining.
Routine inspections are carried out by inspectors of my Department to ensure that the terms of the ERO are being observed by employers. Any corrective action considered necessary to ensure compliance with the terms of the ERO is taken in cases where breaches are discovered. Where under-payments are discovered arrears of wages due to employees are collected.
During 1988, 379 inspections were carried out in hotels which resulted in the collection of arrears of £21,707.10. The corresponding figures for the first eight months of 1989 are 341 inspections and £9,205.06 collected in arrears of wages.
My attention has not been drawn to any widespread abuse by employers in the hotel trade. However, as is normal in most industries covered by EROs, my Department have received complaints in individual cases. These cases are followed up and, where necessary, referred for consideration as to the institution of legal proceedings.