KENNY WELCOMES JLC REFORM

Posted on July 28, 2011 11:58 AM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin North East Labour Party TD Seán Kenny has today welcomed proposals that have been published to protect lower-paid workers in the wake of the Feeney judgment on the JLC/ERO system.

"These proposals are a strong base to introduce effective legislation that will be high on the agenda for the Dáil when it sits again in the autumn."
"The Feeney judgment, which found the JLC/ERO system to be unconstitutional, demanded a fast response that would protect the rights and incomes of those workers in sectors of the economy governed by these wage setting mechanisms."

"These new proposals, particularly with reference to the adult rates and the Sunday working situation are a substantial move to protect the interests of lower paid workers. The proposals around the basic adult rates will permit JLCs to set a series of three adult rates to reflect years of service and experience. This is important as this approach allows trade unions and employers, under the JLC system, the space to work out rates appropriate to specific sectors in a partnership approach."

"The reliance on Sunday rates and the sacrifices made by those who work on Sundays will also be recognised and copper-fastened under new legislative arrangements. This welcome development will provide protection for those who work on a Sunday in the sectors concerned, and this protection is underpinned in legislation."

"A new Code of Practice, based on provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act (1997) will be given legal effect by the government in the new legislation. This Code of Practice will have the strength of enforcement at Labour Court level. All of this will ensure that the JLC/ERO system is revitalised and put on a safe and secure legal and constitutional footing and will allow for a strengthening of protective measures for those working in the JLC sectors."