Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Prices relating to groceries, food and basic commodities are rising, and workers are struggling. Yet many corporations are not supporting the struggles of their staff. Several Tesco workers who work on the front line in packing and delivering food to people in communities across the country have come to me to share stories of how their wages are being cut due to roster changes. One employee told me they will lose almost €3,500 per annum. That person does not know if they will be able to pay their mortgage because of this roster change. Meanwhile, these companies are reporting record profit margins. Roster changes are a common means of subtly reducing labour costs and workers' pay by companies behind the guise of efficiency.

On every side, with wages, food prices and the cost of housing taken together, we are seeing working people being squeezed for the sake of profit. In this month of May, as we celebrate workers' rights, it is time this Government stood up to big business and backed workers and their rights. Will the Taoiseach act to ensure greater security for workers in the face of mounting costs for basic necessities? Will he confirm that workers' voices will be heard at the upcoming retail forum?

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