Vol. 400 No. 6
22 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Labour the present position regarding his discussions with the Social Partners on a proposal to reduce the length of the working week; the number of occasions on which this matter has been discussed with (a) the ICTU and (b) the employers; when it is expected that most workers will benefit from a reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The agreements on pay negotiated in conjunction with the Programme for National Recovery provided that in October 1988 discussions would take place at national level between the Government, FIE, the CIF and the ICTU on a general framework to allow for the implementation of a one hour per week reduction in working hours over the three year period of the programme in cases where the normal working week is at or above 40 hours.
The discussions resulted in the successful conclusion of an agreement. The agreement provides a framework within which employers and unions may negotiate a reduction of one hour per week which would come into effect not later than the end of 1990. These negotiations are to be carried on at the level at which basic pay and conditions of employment are normally negotiated.
Negotiations have been taking place in this context and have resulted in the conclusion to date of over 200 agreements in the private sector. In the public service, agreement has been reached to implement the one hour reduction with effect from 1 July or 1 September 1990.
I have also initiated a review of conditions of employment legislation which specifies statutory maximum permissible working hours for employees in industrial and retail employment. I am at present in consultation with the FIE and ICTU in the matter. It would not be my intention to reduce maximum hours of work under this legislation below negotiated norms.
