Race to the Top - not the Bottom - Support the Living Wage

Issued : Wednesday 12 July, 2006

Labour Youth have given their full support to the Living Wage campaign that demands that all City Council contracts are awarded only to companies that pay a Living Wage of at least €10 an hour, as proposed by Cllr Eric Byrne in a motion to Dublin City Council. The campaign launch was supported by Pat Rabbitte T.D. , Joanne Delaney, Mick O Reilly of the ATGWU and Jack O Connor President of SIPTU.

 

Neil Ward Labour Youth Vice Chair

Speaking at the launch of the campaign in City Hall Labour Youth Vice Chair, Neil Ward, said:

"The Living Wage campaign is one which Labour Youth wholeheartedly supports. We will actively campaign on this issue over the coming months.

 

Joanne Delaney and Cllr. Eric Byrne

"The Living Wage, if implemented, will begin a race-to-the-top to replace the race-to-the-bottom.

"In the United States several colleges have successfully introduced a Living Wage for low paid workers. Students and Unions have worked successfully together in this campaign. Labour Youth will be investigating with our friends in the union movement whether such a campaign in Irish colleges would be beneficial.

 

Pat Rabbitte T.D. speaking at the launch of the campaign

"We will also be encouraging councillors from across the country to put motions similar to Eric Byrne's before their local authorities.

"We believe that the proposal of €10 per hour is a sound one. We are calling for the abolition of poverty wages. Any employer who pays poverty wages should be named, shamed and preferably made to live on poverty wages themselves.

 

Mick O Reilly of the ATGWU supports the campaign

"The trend towards contracting work in order to undermine the rights of workers is scandalous, and needs to end. Creating a Living Wage is a necessary step in that direction."

ENDS - For more information contact Neil Ward at 085 713 4159

www.LabourYouth.ie

For more information on the Living Wage Campaign click below: