SIPTU calls for hotels to join JLC talks, or lose special VAT rate

SIPTU is calling on the hospitality sector to enter talks on a new joint labour committee for workers.

SIPTU is calling on the hospitality sector to enter talks on a new joint labour committee (JLC) for workers.

The union has said the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan should withdraw the favourable VAT rate for the hotel and restaurant trade unless they sign up to a new JLC.

A joint labour committee would set pay rates and conditions for hospitality sector staff.

SIPTU's John King said wages had been driven down and the sector was refusing to engage.

"Workers in hotels and restauarants are low-paid and over the last number of years an increasing number of them have seen their wages fall to the level of the minimum wage," he said.