Time to Fix Ireland’s JLC System
Time to Fix Ireland’s JLC System - The Labour Party
- Labour Bill tackles employer obstruction
Labour’s Enterprise and Employment Spokesperson George Lawlor TD yesterday introduced legislation to strengthen Ireland’s system of Joint Labour Committees (JLCs), calling for urgent Government support. The Labour Bill comes in another week with no new legislation from the Government benches, despite the continued race to the bottom in working conditions in sectors like hospitality. Deputy Lawlor said the Bill will boost sectoral bargaining and stop employer groups from undermining the JLC process.
Deputy Lawlor said:
“While Government appears to be on a go-slow with no new legislation this week, I’m proud to be introducing my first Bill as a TD – to strengthen JLCs and tackle the ongoing employer boycott in key sectors like hotels and hospitality.
“Ireland has one of the lowest levels of collective bargaining coverage in the EU – just 40% – and we are nowhere near the 80% target required under the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages.
“Government has sat on its hands. It launched a consultation on its Action Plan for Collective Bargaining, but we’ve seen no action. Labour has already proposed a range of measures to boost union coverage and improve outcomes for workers, but we need legislative change now.
“The Labour Employer Economic Forum high-level working group on collective bargaining made clear recommendations to strengthen the JLC model. A major issue is the deliberate effort by some employer bodies to block JLCs from functioning. In some sectors like security and childcare, JLCs are working well – they result in legally binding Employment Regulation Orders which set a fair floor for wages and working conditions. They’ve helped root out rogue operators and stop unfair competition based on low pay.
“But in sectors like hotels, employers are actively boycotting the process. The Irish Hotel Federation has challenged efforts to reconstitute a JLC for years. That’s not just bad for workers – it’s bad for good employers who want to play fair. Without JLCs, we’re left with a race to the bottom.
“When JLCs function properly, everyone benefits. They give us tailored, sector-specific agreements that support recruitment and retention. Employers in sectors with JLCs often report reduced staff turnover and training costs. That’s why we need to fix the system. This Bill is a crucial first step.
“This legislation should be a turning point. Government must stop tolerating obstruction and commit to restoring a functioning collective bargaining system in this country. Workers deserve better – and good employers do too. Government must back this Bill without delay.”
Link to the Labour Bill: https://labour.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Boycott-of-JLCs-Bill-2025-draft.pdf