Key Strategic Employment Issues to Consider for 2022 - #7
Draft EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages looms closer. In the EU debates on a Directive on adequate minimum wages, the European Parliament has agreed its negotiating position on the directive in November 2021, including a mandate to enter trialogue negotiations and the EU Employment and Social Policy Council (of Ministers). The Council adopted its own position on 6th December as a provisional agreement on the Directive (general approach) and will now start political negot
Key Strategic Employment Issues to Consider for 2022 - #6
Proposed EU Directive on Pay Transparency On the 4th of March 2021, the European Commission issued its proposal for a Directive on pay transparency. The objectives of the proposal is aligned to those of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Equal opportunities, equal pay between men and women and pay transparency are key elements of modern, dynamic and inclusive labour markets. However, employer bodies are concerned about aspects of the proposal including the scope of the di
Key Strategic Employment Issues to Consider for 2022 - #5
The Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 – Implementation issues loom in 2022. The Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 was signed into law on 13 July 2021. The Act, once commenced by ministerial order, will require the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to make regulations requiring private and public sector employers (subject to employment thresholds) to report and publish information relating to their gender pay gap, and, where there is a gap,
Key Strategic Employment Issues to Consider for 2022 - #4
A balanced outcome to the Review of Collective Bargaining and Industrial Relations is needed. The decision in April 2021 by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar T.D. to set up of a High-level Working Group to review collective bargaining and the industrial relations landscape in Ireland was welcomed by Stratis. We have emphasised the importance of achieving a balanced outcome but also pointed to the risks for all parties, depending on th
Key Strategic Employment Issues to Consider for 2022 - #3
The Living Wage could be a closer prospect in 2022. In Ireland the ‘Living Wage’ is defined by Trade Unions as “the average gross salary which will enable full-time employed adults (without dependents) across Ireland afford a socially acceptable minimum standard of living. The “Living Wage” for the Republic of Ireland for 2022 has been calculated at €12.90 per hour. The new rate represents an increase of 60c per hour ( 4.9%.) over the 2020/21 rate (€12.30) which represents th
Key Strategic Employment Issues to Consider for 2022 - #2
Statutory Sick Pay Bill 2021 – will bring New Employee Rights without Responsibilities. Employers are increasingly concerned at the growing volume of employment regulations despite the devastating effects of the pandemic. These will place additional burdens on employers at a time of peak uncertainty. These include the Government announcement that by 2025, employees will be entitled to 10 days of sick pay per year and this is being introduced on a phased basis. The Government
Key Strategic Employment Issues to Consider for 2022 - #1
The Context for Private Sector Pay Discussions will remain uncertain through 2022. Stratis remains of the view that temporary inflation pressures cannot set private sector benchmark for longer term pay increases. Guidance has been issued by the Private Sector Committee of ICTU on 13.12.21 that unions should seek pay increases in the range of 2.5 to 4.5% in 2022. However, Stratis remains strongly of the view that: Any increase in the level of pay settlements which will embed l
