SIPTU accuses Govt of deliberately ignoring workers’ rights

SIPTU has accused the Government of adopting a deliberate policy to ignore the abuse of workers' rights.

The union's president, Jack O'Connor, is due to meet Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte today to discuss the situation faced by Irish and immigrant workers.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, he said the current Government was putting the interests of employers ahead of the rights of their employees.

"The Gama scandal was no accident, the treatment of Filipino workers was no accident," Mr O'Connor said. "And the fact that there is no labour inspectorate to enforce the minimal labour legislation we have in this country was no accident.

"It's a consequence of a deliberate policy which has been promoted through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment over the last seven years."