Informing Workers of Employment Rights
Browne asks how workers are informed of their rights. Fitzgerald says a guidance booklet was widely distributed to unions, employers’ organisations, public bodies and women’s organisations.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will take steps to inform workers of their rights under the Employment Equality Act.
Comment on this
An explanatory booklet on the provisions of the Employment Equality Act, 1977 which gives general guidance to workers on their legal entitlement under this legislation was issued in July 1977 when the Act came into operation, and was given wide distribution by my Department.
Copies have been sent to ICTU, FUE and other employers' organisations, to the industrial trade unions with a large membership of women and to all women's organisations. Copies have also been distributed to State-sponsored bodies, local authorities and health boards and, of course, to every individual or company who so requested.
It is a function of the Employment Equality Agency, which came into operation on 1 October last, to advise workers of their legal rights under the Act. The agency have distributed a series of leaflets on the implications of the legislation for workers. Also, information talks have been given to various workers', employers' and women's organisations throughout the country.
I regard these arrangements as adequate, but if representations are received suggesting that they should be improved, the matter can be considered further.