Bruton remains firm on changes to JLC-set wages

ENTERPRISE Minister Richard Bruton has vowed to get plans to overhaul wages for low-paid workers passed through Cabinet despite opposition from TDs.

Mr Bruton said he was prepared to meet backbench Labour TDs who have openly challenged his proposals to change wages set by Joint Labour Committees (JLCs).

The minister said he would oppose a Dáil motion planned by United Left Alliance TDs today and tomorrow to block changes to wages applicable to low-paid workers.

Mr Bruton intends bringing his plans to the Cabinet next week after consulting with trade unions representing workers linked with JLC wage-setting mechanisms.

Speaking in Dublin yesterday, he said: “There’s many areas that we need to reform in Ireland in order to maximise job opportunities. My job now is to bring proposals to government and that’s what I’ll be doing over the coming week. We are determined to push ahead with the radical reform that an independent group has said is necessary.”

Mr Bruton said he had not as yet received a request from Labour TDs to discuss his plans but that he was happy to meet with them.

He reiterated that changes to the JLC agreements were in the Programme for Government and formed part of agreements under the EU/IMF loan deal.

Galway TD Colm Keaveney, who has challenged any radical changes to the pay schemes, said all members of Labour’s parliamentary party had concerns about changes to the JLC mechanisms.

He said the minister had been invited to speak to Labour TDs, who do not want revenue taken from low paid workers.

Mr Keaveney called on the minister to use the coming days to consult with trade unions and others who had interests in the proposed changes.