The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has called on the Government to introduce the national minimum wage of £4.40p an hour before the end of this year. A National Minimum Wage Bill should be published early in the autumn session of the Dail.
The ICTU's deputy general secretary Ms Patricia O'Donovan asked the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney, to introduce the measure during a meeting yesterday. "If this Government is serious about meeting its commitment to introduce a minimum wage it must act now", she said afterwards.
"Any delay in introducing the minimum wage would mean that thousands of low paid workers are losing out in the current economic boom. A national minimum wage, combined with a comprehensive tax and social welfare reform package in the 1999 Budget, is absolutely essential to ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared more equitably in Irish society."
She particularly highlighted the relevance of the legislation in the case of agency, contract and part-time workers, including those in supported employment and working from home. She admitted that there could be problems for some employers, but suggested that the necessary increases be phased in, using the Joint Labour Committees where appropriate.
The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, said after the meeting the Government would honour its commitment to introduce the National Minimum Wage by April 2000, but it was important to avoid any adverse effect on employment, or the economy. "The idea is to introduce a minimum wage to protect vulnerable workers, among whom are many women and young persons. Clearly it is not in anybody's interest to have a minimum wage which puts companies out of business and increases the capacity of the black economy."