ICTU calls for legislation to tackle zero-hour contracts

The president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is calling for new legislation to prevent a repeat of the dispute at Dunnes Stores.

Members of Mandate are in dispute with the retailer over their 15-hour contracts. Last month, 6,000 members of staff took part in a one day strike.

Patricia King said an additional mechanism in an act already in place would provide a simple solution for workers at companies like Dunnes Stores.

The company has not responded to Labour Court recommendations.

Ms King told Radio Kerry: "I was suggesting an amendment should be included in the Organisation of Working Time Act which would allow a worker to go to a rights commissioner (or a) labour court and have their current contract of employment, if it has a pattern of more hours, declared as customary practice of that contract."