Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As far as the Government is concerned, it is reasonable that employers should be making these demands. These are employers who have already reduced their workforce and now they are reducing the income of the remaining workers. These workers spend money in the local community and support businesses throughout the towns and villages we are speaking about. Reducing their incomes will make them unable to support other businesses. I do not believe that any business should be reducing its wages at this stage - it is too early to say. There could be an argument in six months or a year that they are unsustainable and cannot continue, but they do not know for certain at present. Many businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, will be looking at an increase in wedding functions next year, which will increase their income and revenue. They will be getting the business they have lost out on this year. I do not believe it is reasonable that companies should reduce wages at this point in time. As far as I know, it is not legal for them to reduce wages unilaterally. The companies have a responsibility to their workers. I do not believe it is legal for them to do this. What should be done is that the supports we are putting in place for those businesses should be made contingent on them maintaining the workforce at the income levels they had. If the business is not viable, they can make changes but many businesses are doing this now to profiteer from the situation and benefit from the largesse of the State. It is right that we are subsidising them but now we are subsidising them to cut wages and that is wrong.

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