Labour challenged over proposed wage changes

THE DÁIL will next week debate proposed changes in wage agreements including the removal Sunday premium payments, which the United Left Alliance claims could result in some workers losing €100 a week.

Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins said the Government’s proposed changes were “a declaration of war on cleaners, security staff, hairdressers, construction and catering workers”.

The alliance has called for the public to protest outside the Dáil during the debate and has challenged Labour Party TDs to reject the cuts or be “in breach of the principle of solidarity with the lower paid and the best traditions of Larkin and Connolly”.

Socialist Party TD Clare Daly said the workers whose wages were set by the agreements “are already the lowest paid in the Irish economy and are mostly part time, non-permanent, female, young and migrant workers”.

She said: “59 per cent of women in the hotel and catering sector earn less than €18,000 per annum and only 10 per cent earn more than €24,000. “Some workers stand to lose as much as €100 per week if Sunday premium payments are abolished.” Paddy Healy speaking for United Left Alliance TD Séamus Healy said: “Ireland suffers from some of the highest levels of low pay. Over 21 per cent of full-time employees are low-paid, compared to a euro zone average of 14.7per cent.”