General Secretary Owen Reidy said the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and its affiliated trade unions very much welcome the unanimous recommendation of the Low Pay Commission to abolish sub-minimum wage rates for all young workers.
"This is an issue trade unions have been campaigning on for many years and we welcome that the LPC, having looked at this matter in a calm and considered way - with all the available data, legal advice and stakeholder consultation - has unanimously recommended abolishing lower minimum wage rules for all young workers - over 18s and under 18s.
"Indeed, we expect good employers will equally welcome such a move, given the evidence shows that more than 3 in 4 young workers are already paid no less than the full minimum wage.
"Unions have long argued that young workers deserve a break and this recommendation is part of that. I am particularly conscious that the LPC considered carefully the pending requirements of the Adequate Minimum Wages Directive in its deliberations. The Government even at this late stage need to do likewise.
"The LPC has also recommended a review after 2 and 4 years to evaluate if there are any adverse effects from abolishing on youth employment and early school leaving. And, quite legitimately, they recommend Government consider supporting the small number of employers employing a significant number of young workers on sub-minimum wage rates.
"I note the initial response of the Minister, which seems somewhat begrudging. There is little point in having a LPC including the social partners consider the evidence and unanimously agreeing recommendations, if the Government's response is to potentially fudge or long finger a response. Government needs to take the recommendation to scrap sub-minimum wage rates seriously and implement it accordingly. Our young workers deserve no less,” concluded Mr Reidy.
