CIE warns contractors to obey minimum wage laws

The CIE group has warned all its contractors and subcontractors to sign a new declaration pledging to pay employees no less than the minimum wage.

The group admitted that the underpayment of foreign subcontractors prompted the issuing of a directive to more than 300 companies in March.

Most recently 19 South African workers claimed they were being paid less than €2.50 an hour by a subcontractor working for Bus Eireann.

CIE spokesperson Barry Kenny said today: “The requirement has always been there for our contractors and subcontractors, but certainly, in relation to the incidents recently, we did want to reiterate that and reinforce that with our contractors.”

“It isn't just for existing contractors, we will certainly ensure that in all future contracts that are let and for their subcontractors.”