Employers and workers in the agricultural sector have been encouraged to “engage” with an independent body that provides a process for fixing statutory minimum rates of pay and conditions of employment.
The Minister of State for business, employment and retail, Neale Richmond, said Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) benefit and provide consistency to workers and employers across a number of sectors.
Minister Richmond this week has approved the recommendations of a Labour Court Review of the nine JLCs already in existence, one of which covers agricultural workers.
In its review, the Labour Court stated that the maintenance of all the existing JLCs will “promote harmonious relations between workers and employers and assist in the avoidance of industrial unrest”.
Minister Richmond said: “Joint Labour Committees provide an important opportunity for employers and workers to negotiate their wages and terms of employment.
“I encourage both employers and workers to engage in the JLC process where available as it benefits and provides consistency to workers and employers in a given sector.
“A sectoral Employment Regulation Order provides wage certainty and security for employees and helps employers attract and retain talented employees.”
According to the minister he is currently working with the social partners to examine “how we can further strengthen and improve the JLC system to benefit more workers, particularly in vulnerable sectors of the economy”.
The minister said he is “strongly supportive of the JLCs and their contribution to positive industrial relations.”
Employment permits
Meanwhile, the government has indicated that the review of lists for employment permits is expected to be finalised next month.
It has been repeatedly highlighted that there are a significant number of vacancies across the agriculture and agri-food sectors at this time that employers want to fill.
The review will cover the Critical Skills Occupation List and Ineligible Occupations List, and will determine what sectors will benefit from occupations that are essential to their industries being added to these lists.
Earlier this month Minister Richmond confirmed that it is intended that Dáil Report stage for the Employment Permits Bill 2022 “will now be scheduled for the autumn, subject to the completion of the draft text of the remaining amendments”.
“Depending on Oireachtas scheduling and whether any further amendments are proposed, it is expected that the legislative process will be completed, and the bill passed before the end of the year,” the minister said.