Unions fear Fines Bill could lead to dismissals

The country’s unions are concerned that proposals to give courts the power to deduct money from a person’s wage may be used by bosses to dismiss or discriminate against employees.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions also wants draft laws to be changed so that people on very flexible contracts, who are expected to be available to work at short notice, do not risk losing their jobs by doing community service in lieu of not paying fines.

Raising the issue of discrimination at the Oireachtas justice committee, Sinn Féin TD Padraig MacLochlainn said that Ictu was seeking amendments to proposed laws.