Limerick City and County Council unable to adopt living wage
Councillor calls for adoption of measure
COUNCIL has said it cannot change the pay rates of its staff members, despite a motion from a new member urging them to do so.
Sinn Fein councillor Ursula Gavan asked at this month’s metropolitan meeting that the local authority pays everyone a ‘living wage’, and ensure any contracts it hands down go to companies which do likewise.
As it stands, the living wage is €12.70 per hour in Ireland.
A voluntary rate, it’s based on living costs including energy, food and personal care among other things.
Cllr Gavan said: “One in five of the Irish workforce is on low pay.”
“We can lead in Limerick City and County Council by ensuring all staff in our employ and contractors earn a living wage thus assisting those most vulnerable in our society for a more liveable and prosperous Limerick,” she said.
In a written response, Deirdre Minogue, the acting head of human resources stated pay rates at council are set nationally by the Minister for Housing and Local Government. Limerick, she added, has no discretion to deviate from this.