Dunnes Stores zero-hour contracts
Deputies raise impending industrial action, alleged intimidation and zero-hour contracts at Dunnes Stores. The Tánaiste refers the matter to the relevant authorities and says the Government is examining zero-hour contracts while hoping for a settlement.
On the industrial relations (amendment) Bill, the Tánaiste will be aware that next week thousands of workers employed by Dunnes Stores will engage in industrial action as a consequence of the proliferation of zero-hour contracts. Does she agree that, in the context of any employment relationship, no one's efforts are worth zero? Will she condemn the wholesale intimidation which it is suggested has taken place in respect of the mainly female workers involved? Will the Tánaiste confirm whether the line Minister with responsibility in this area has intervened with the employer, Dunnes Stores, and asked it to recognise the authority of the Labour Relations Commission and to engage in discussions with its workers in the interests of reaching a cohesive settlement with them? Does she agree that employees of Dunnes Stores, particularly those on zero-hour contracts, are entitled to better conditions and that rates of pay should be banded? Will she make a statement to the effect that the relevant Minister has contacted the employer in order to ensure that it involves itself in a wholesome and real engagement with the Labour Relations Commission?
Comment on this
As I am sure the Deputy is aware, two industrial relations Bills are due to come before the Dáil this session and the Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Nash, has prioritised both.
The Deputy referred to the intimidation of workers. If such intimidation has taken place, then he should report it because I do not know whether what is involved constitutes a criminal offence. Perhaps he might pursue the matter further with the relevant authorities.
Comment on this
If the Tánaiste still spoke to the trade unions, she would know what is involved.
Comment on this
If a criminal offence was involved, then the Deputy should report the matter to An Garda Síochána.
In the context of the potential dispute at Dunnes Stores, I certainly hope it will be possible to reach a settlement. I have asked the Minister of State, Deputy Nash, to undertake an examination of zero-hour contracts, particularly as they can lead to people having a very low number of hours of work and correspondingly low pay while needing to remain available to their employers at all times. I hope it will be possible to settle the dispute in a way which is satisfactory to the workers at Dunnes Stores, as well as to the management of the company, in order that the employment and the enterprise might move forward successfully.