Dáil to debate Bill to fix broken JLC system and remove employer veto
Dáil to debate Bill to fix broken JLC system and remove employer veto - The Labour Party
- Bill supports good employers and will stop a race to the bottom on terms and conditions.
- Government support crucial in advance of the Action Plan on Collective Bargaining.
On Thursday evening the Dáil will debate at second stage a bill from Labour Enterprise and Employment spokesperson George Lawlor TD to strengthen Ireland’s system of Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) and address the employer boycott.
In advance of the debate, Deputy Lawlor called on the government to support the bill to boost sectoral bargaining coverage and stop employer groups from undermining the JLC process.
Deputy Lawlor said:
“I’m proud that my first Bill, to be debated on Thursday evening is one that has the potential to improve the terms and conditions for the lowest paid workers in our society. If passed into law, it will strengthen JLCs and tackle the ongoing employer boycott in key sectors like hotels and hospitality.
“It will allow the Labour Court to appoint a member it believes will be representative of the interests of the relevant employer (or worker) side where an organisation refuses to engage with the JLC.
“Ireland has one of the lowest levels of collective bargaining coverage in the EU – less than 40% – and we are nowhere near the 80% target required under the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages.
“As we await the government’s Action Plan for Collective Bargaining, I would call on the government to take decisive action and support the legislation that would address employer disengagement from the JLC system. It would also go some way to addressing the recent postponement of improved workers’ rights through government-imposed delays on the living wage, improved statutory sick pay and auto-enrolment.
“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.
“It was the clear intention of the Oireachtas that a functioning JLC should operate, and we need to amend existing legislation to incentivise employer participation. As we await the upcoming publication of the Action Plan on Collective bargaining, I am urging Minister Burke and the government to back this Bill and show its commitment to delivering increased coverage.