Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important matter, and I do not raise it lightly. When a group of workers at a company approached me with allegations of exploitation, intimidation, breaches of employee rights, dismissals, failure to pay staff, mandatory working, the use of sleepers, threats and allegations of sexual harassment, I had no alternative but to speak out and demand the truth. This is Ireland 2005, not Dublin 1913.

I met other members of the company on Tuesday, 14 June at 11.30 p.m. and they denied all the allegations, except the non-payment of staff issue. It is important we get to the bottom of these allegations and I hope the Minister will conduct a proper and accurate investigation. We cannot tolerate exploitation of staff at any company and it is crucial we get to the truth.

I have no vested interest in this company but I wish to ensure all staff get fair play, equality and justice. Moreover, I also wish to ensure that all the allegations are dealt with in a fair manner. I received information that there were to be ten plus constructive dismissals. According to the terms and agreements of employment, salaries were to be paid monthly by electronic transfer on the first of the month, but this never happened. Payslips were received without payment or payslips were received when payment was made which, more often than not, was towards the end of the month. Payslips were dated differently from the date of receipt of payment, if received. Some employees, on commencing employment, were expected to work a month in hand and were only notified of this when they queried the lack of payment to their account. There were instances where new employees were expected to work between eight and ten weeks without payment.

Some employees, although working with this company in 2004, never received a P60. Some employees and ex-employees, on contacting the tax office, were told they were not registered against any company for tax purposes, although they had been working for one of these companies for a number of weeks and, in some cases, a number of months. Employees who questioned the lateness of payment were usually isolated, subjected to bully-type behaviour or let go.

There were instances where an employee who was let go was escorted off the premises as per instructions by management or they were called in to a meeting to be told they were being let go and on leaving the management office, they noted that their hard drives were removed from their desks. A policy of silence is enforced in some of the offices which ensures dismissals are kept quiet. Staff are discouraged from airing complaints and, as a result, employee concerns are rarely discussed, probably for fear of dismissal or not being paid. There are also instances where staff are expected to give management a hug, specifically female employees. On commencement of employment, employees feel they have very few work duties.

Due to the current experience of this company, I call on the Government to implement, and urgently amend, legislation. According to some members of the company, their difficulties and conditions have been extreme. As a result of their collective experiences, I have learned just how unprotected are Irish workers. They are completely vulnerable to employer abuse and to the inadequacies of the law, including company law. Workers must have greater protection.

I call for fundamental rights for workers from the day of commencing employment, including breach of contract, non-payment of wages, constructive dismissal, freedom from harassment, discrimination and victimisation and health and safety. I urge the Minister to listen and to investigate this matter which is in the interests of the staff, the company and, above all, the future of employment in this country.

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