Taoiseach commits to maintaining employment standards
In his opening address to yesterday’s plenary session, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern confirmed the Government would intervene in the Laval case - an Irish Ferries-type dispute in Sweden which has been brought to the EU Court of Justice.
The dispute could undermine employment protection measures throughout the EU since it involves a Latvian company which wants to be allowed to work in Sweden without being subject to local collective agreements and bargaining arrangements.
The move, which had been called for by Labour leader Pat Rabbitte, signals an unprecedented Government commitment to union concerns of employment protection and sets the tone for a talks process likely to be dominated to a large degree by union demands for better labour enforcement.
Ireland’s intervention, which has been cleared by the Attorney General, is to be made through the Department of Foreign Affairs and addresses the Government’s concern that the case could lead to adverse consequences for Ireland.
“The key issue for Ireland is that EU law would continue to respect and uphold the integrity of national traditions in the area of social partnership, industrial relations and dispute resolution mechanisms and practices,” a Government briefing note reads.
The note explains that the case revolves around the need for a balance in EU law between the right of a company to provide services in any EU state, on the one hand, and the maintenance of employment standards on the other.
Meanwhile, in a day of formal set piece speeches to formally launch negotiations yesterday, Mr Ahern was cognisant of the economic necessity of maintaining competitiveness.
“What this Government is about is ensuring that we keep up in the race for greater productivity and enhanced competitiveness based on new products and services, upskilling of staff, new work practices and technological innovation. Lowering of employment standards forms no part of our vision. In fact, it is the exact opposite of it,” he said.
Tánaiste Mary Harney echoed those views and said she was optimistic that partnership could help achieve a top-class health system.
Ms Harney said partnership was built around “the belief that a strong, growing and dynamic economy was the key to providing job opportunities, rising living standards, and improved social provision for our people”.
Speaking in advance of the talks, Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) general secretary David Begg said he would use the talks to highlight the issues of protection of labour standards, exploitation and labour market reform.
However, employers’ group IBEC warned against over-regulation of the labour market saying Ireland was already a difficult place to do business, with a heavy burden of regulation.
EMPLOYERS
Employers primarily want to maintain and increase their competitiveness and want measures to tackle the rising costs of doing business including fuel, energy, local charges and wages.
They have committed to addressing issues of employment standards along with the Government but will fight to limit the cost of any new employment regulations.
Employers will seek a modest pay deal which stays under the rate of inflation, perhaps 2.5% to 3%.
The Irish Farmers Association is threatening not to participate in protest at an ongoing dispute with the Government over the Nitrates Directive.
Macra na Feirme is looking to ensure a viable future in the industry for young farmers and will make proposals on tax, quota schemes, the production of non-food crops from land, agricultural training, regulatory conditions and EU funds.
Unions will seek a pay deal far in excess of that suggested by employers but will also aim to address social deficits with a range of proposals on the health system; the establishment of a proper ‘care infrastructure’ for the elderly, children and the disabled; education; pensions and the semi-State sector.
A union demand that jobs displacement and employment protection be addressed will be central to these talks.
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