Lawlor slams Government’s failure on low-paid workers
Lawlor slams Government’s failure on low-paid workers - The Labour Party
– Time for decisive action on JLC boycott
Labour’s Enterprise Spokesperson George Lawlor TD today condemned the Government for voting against Labour’s Bill to end the industrial relations boycott of the Joint Labour Commission (JLC) at Second Stage. Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Lawlor pressed for a vote on the issue, which will now take place next Wednesday, and called on the Government to reverse its position.
Deputy Lawlor said:
“It is truly shocking that this Government has refused to support my first Bill in the Dáil, which had the potential to improve the terms and conditions of the lowest paid workers in Irish society. This legislation would have ensured that where an organisation refuses to engage with the JLCs, the Labour Court could appoint a representative to act on behalf of employers or workers.
“It would appear that Winston Churchill, who introduced trade boards in 1909 to represent low-paid workers, did more for working people than this Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Government. Likewise, in 1946, Seán Lemass established the JLCs to protect workers in vulnerable sectors. That Government recognised the need for fairness and balance in the workplace. Today’s Government, by contrast, has turned its back on workers.
“While we await the Government’s long-promised Action Plan on Collective Bargaining, it is deeply disappointing that they have failed to take decisive action now.
“The principle behind my Bill is simple: if an organisation refuses to engage with the JLCs, the Labour Court should have the power to ensure representation for both sides of industry. That is not radical, it is fair. It is about making sure no worker is left without a voice simply because powerful interests decide to block progress.
“Next Wednesday’s vote is an opportunity for Government TDs to show that they are on the side of working people. I am calling on them to put politics aside and support this Bill. If they are serious about delivering an Action Plan for Collective Bargaining, then they should start by backing the Labour Party’s proposal to strengthen the JLCs. Workers across Ireland deserve better than platitudes. They deserve action – and they deserve it now.”