Fianna Fáil has called on Labour backbenchers to support its efforts to introduce emergency legislation protecting the pay of low-paid workers.
The party is introducing a private members' Bill in the Dáil this evening which aims to provide temporary protections for workers whose terms and conditions are covered by joint labour committee structures.
This follows a recent decision of the High Court, which found that the current system unconstitutional.
Fianna Fáil spokesman on jobs, Willie O'Dea, said the Bill would provide a real test for Labour deputies who were prominent in criticising the proposals of Minister for Jobs and Enterprise Richard Bruton in this area.
Mr O'Dea said the court ruling on JLCs had left thousands of people in low paid jobs in a very vulnerable position, facing cuts in their pay and conditions in the weeks and months ahead. "The Government has reneged on its promise to immediately address this, so Fianna Fáil has taken the decision to introduce this emergency legislation to remove uncertainty and protect these people."
He said it wasn't good enough for Mr Bruton to say the situation was too complicated and to leave workers exposed until the Government addressed the problem in the autumn. Government deputies had a choice - put aside "politics as usual" or leave the affected workers "high and dry".
Mr O'Dea denied his party was trying to exploit divisions between the Government party on the issue. "This should not be a party political issue. We are being constructive, tabling practical legislation which addresses the issues raised in the High Court judgement.
"While the legal action related to catering workers, its outcome has implications for almost 200,000 people whose minimum conditions and wages are set under the JLC system," he said.