Living wage at Nestlé Askeaton
Senator Gavan welcomed Nestlé Askeaton becoming Ireland’s first living wage site and credited negotiation and trade union effort. He called for the Seanad and the wider country to follow that example and support a living wage for low-paid workers.
There is some really good and positive news from Limerick today. The Nestlé plant in Askeaton has become the first living wage site anywhere in Ireland. This is a result of three years of negotiation and I had a small role to play at the beginning. The key recognition must go to SIPTU and Mr. Enda McDaid in particular, who has delivered a tremendous result. Nestlé is an excellent employer in Askeaton, as we know, and it has always respected the trade union.
Today, however, canteen staff, cleaning staff, security staff and everyone else who works at that site, are guaranteed a living wage. This is a massive breakthrough. It is the first of its kind. It should prompt a conversation on what more the Government can do to promote actively the model of a living wage. It makes a huge difference. One will see staff having a wage rise in the order of the best part of €2 per hour. It makes a massive difference to low-paid employees. It is great to see that Limerick has been at the forefront in producing this good news and in bringing forward something really positive and progressive.
Perhaps we should consider making the Oireachtas a living-wage employer.
Comment on this
Maybe we could ensure that the people we work with - the cleaners and canteen staff — all have a living wage, as a minimum. Why do we not take a lead that can be followed throughout the country?
I would like a debate on the living wage on the basis of this good news. Let us see what positive, concrete steps we can take to help low-paid employees.