THE CABINET yesterday made no final decision on proposals by the Minister for Enterprise and Jobs Richard Bruton to reform wage-setting mechanisms that govern pay and conditions for more than 200,000 workers.
However, Tánaiste and Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said that the impact of changes to the system of joint labour committees on social welfare payments would have to be “factored in by Government” in making its decision.
A Government spokesperson said that proposals put forward by Mr Bruton had been “discussed in detail” at Cabinet, that “good progress was made” and that the issue was likely to be discussed again at next week’s Cabinet meeting.
The spokesperson said ministers were “mindful” that a High Court ruling was due tomorrow on a constitutional challenge brought against the joint labour committee system by a group of employers in the fast food sector.
“We’re going to take stock on Thursday after the court decision,” a Government spokesperson said.
There was “no guarantee” a final decision would be made by the Government at its meeting next week.
It is generally seen as likely that whatever ruling is issued by the High Court will be appealed to the Supreme Court.
It is understood that the reform of the system will be one of a number of issues discussed by the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan and the Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin with the “troika” in the coming weeks. Legislation is due to be brought in during the autumn.
Under initial proposals circulated by the Minister, tens of thousands of workers in hotels, restaurants, retailing and other sectors could lose their legal entitlement to special Sunday premium payments.
Meanwhile yesterday a Catholic bishop said the Government proposals to cut Sunday premium payments “would prioritise economic considerations at the expense of the well-being of citizens and the good of society”.
Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Ray Field said: “For Christians, this is a day central to the practise of our faith and our core position is that on the Sabbath day all non-essential work should be avoided.
“The protection of Sunday as a day of rest is vital to the physical, psychological and spiritual well-being of so many people in our society.”