The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has reported the Government to the European Commission for failing to introduce legislation to protect the rights of part-time workers. There are approximately 200,000 such workers in the State, of whom 192,000 are women.
The new directive was due to come into force on January 1st, 2000. The Government obtained a 12-month derogation and has promised the European Commission legislation will be in place before the Dail's summer recess in two weeks.
As the Government has not met the EU deadline, it is open to any part-time worker to take a case to the European Court of Justice if discriminated against in terms of pay, pensions and other working conditions.
If successful, compensation would have to be paid by the Exchequer. Private-sector employers would not be liable for damages as they are not be in breach of national law.
The principal reason for the delay in introducing legislation is the issue of pension entitlements for part-time workers. This has been referred to the Attorney General's office for advice.
The ICTU assistant general secretary, Ms Joan Carmichael, said yesterday it would be impossible for the Government to have the Bill passed into law before the Dail summer recess.
"This directive is the single most important measure available to Government to ensure that part-time workers are not discriminated against," she said.
"The majority of part-time workers are women who choose this type of work to balance work and family life. Government should support these women by implementing the directive with any further delay."