APPROVAL OF NEW REA LEGISLATION A SOLID ACHIEVEMENT FOR WORKERS - KENNY

Posted on August 1, 2014 5:15 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin Bay North Labour TD Sean Kenny has welcomed news that the Government has approved the beginning of drafting legislation to replace the system of Registered Employment Agreements.

"I am very pleased with this development, given that the previous REA system had been struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013. Since that time, new employees in areas where an REA was in effect were protected only by legislation governing the Minimum Wage, which would have served to drive down the level of wages across entire industrial sectors over time. The replacement REA system will prevent this from happening, and will help to ensure industrial peace and decent working conditions for all workers, not least the 70,000 workers who were governed by such Agreements under the old system."

"Along with the legislation allowing for collective bargaining, and the process that will see the creation of the Low Pay Commission, Labour in Government is demonstrating its commitment to a fair society and a recovery of the economy in a way that is putting workers first."

"I am looking forward to seeing the legislation progress over the coming months and expect to see the legislation becoming law over the course of the next 12 months."