Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am a bit bemused by the attitude of Fine Gael to the National Minimum Wage (Protection of Employee Tips) Bill 2017. The Bill was introduced by Senator Gavan and passed by the Seanad. The Bill will be introduced in the House this evening during Sinn Féin's Private Members' time. It is a simple Bill that will outlaw the practice of employers using tips or service charges to make up contracted wages. I do not understand the opposition to the Bill given that the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, whom I facilitated in meeting workers to discuss the issue, has given a commitment to legislate in this area. Is the Government playing politics and, if so, for what purpose? Is the problem with the Bill or just with the fact that it was brought forward by Sinn Féin?

When I first met a group of workers from The Ivy restaurant on Dawson Street I was shocked by what they told me. It was not just a question of low pay and not receiving their tips; there was a complete lack of respect for the staff on the part of a very aggressive employer. There were even CCTV cameras in makeshift staff changing rooms. They have since been removed but there is evidence of ongoing surveillance of staff, both audio and visual. Due to the publicity surrounding The Ivy, customers are asking staff whether they will get the money if a service charge is paid. Staff cannot give a straight answer for fear of retribution or possible dismissal. I am more shocked now that some of these practices are widespread in the hospitality sector. A survey has shown that one in three workers does not receive the tips customers have given in recognition of good service.

This workforce is mainly young, with many migrant workers and students. They are not very aware of their rights in the workplace. For example, they often work long hours without a break and they are not aware there should be an 11 hour break between shifts. They are not unionised for fear of being dismissed. Two of the workers I met are no longer working in The Ivy and the matter is being pursued by their union. These workers' jobs are precarious. They do not have fixed hours and the minimum wage or slightly above it is the norm. Does the Taoiseach agree that this hardly describes a republic of opportunity, but rather a republic of the unacceptable face of capitalism?

There is also an issue with unfair competition. Employers who are treating their staff with respect are at an unfair disadvantage, particularly when confronted with highly profitable, multinational chains such as The Ivy. Passing this Bill would be a signal to employers that this sharp practice is unacceptable. More importantly, it would be a signal to some of the most exploited members of the workforce that they are not alone and powerless. Hopefully, it would encourage them to join a union and get organised. The Bill has widespread support in the Seanad and I look forward to the same level of support for it in the Dáil tonight. I hope it will be passed with the Government's support.

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