SIPTU representatives have today (Thursday, 16th July) insisted that any stimulus package for the hospitality sector must not be a blank cheque for employers. SIPTU Sector Organiser Martin O’Rourke said: “It would be a mistake for the Government to pour hundreds of millions into the sector unless employers recognise and respect the industrial relations machinery of the State. We have an intolerable situation where one in four members recently surveyed by SIPTU working in the sector have no contract of employment, up to 70% of workers earn no Sunday premium and 40% of those surveyed stating that they would not be able to cope with an additional household bill. This is completely unsustainable. SIPTU representatives are calling on Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party to make sure that any financial supports provided to the hospitality sector come with a cast iron guarantee that the industry engages with the Labour Court to agree an appropriate Joint Labour Committee (JLC) for all workers in the hospitality sector.” SIPTU National Executive Council (NEC) member and hospitality worker, Timothy Herlihy said: “If the Government is bailing out the employers of the hospitality sector then the workers should be afforded at least a JLC recommendation to improve their terms and conditions.”
SIPTU argues against blank cheque for hospitality employers
