Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 July 2025
968. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps being taken to address the lack of collective bargaining agreements or collective bargaining coverage in the hospitality sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43891/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Joint Labour Committee (JLC) is an independent body made up of equal numbers of employer and worker representatives in a particular sector. A JLC sets the employment conditions and minimum rates of pay for employees in a certain sector through collective bargaining. Currently there is an established Joint Labour Committee for the Hotel sector.
JLCs are set up by the Labour Court following an application from either the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; a Trade Union; or any organisation that represents the workers or the employers involved. When formulating proposals to submit to the Court, a JLC must consider the legitimate interests of employers and workers likely to be affected by the proposals, including a number of criteria set out in legislation.
The JLC for the Hotel Sector has not been active for a number of years. My Department remains strongly supportive of the state’s collective bargaining and wage setting mechanisms, and the important work of the Joint Labour Committees. A number of recent EROS have demonstrated how effective the Committee system can be when negotiations are entered into in good faith by both sides.
The Government has committed to publishing an action plan on collective bargaining by the end of 2025. A consultation process has recently been completed and the proposals are now being examined.
