Madam, - Minister of State Tom Parlon seeks to assure your readers that the proposed EU services directive poses no threat to rates of pay and working conditions in this country (Opinion & Analysis, January 7th). Regrettably this is not the case, though it is a line being pressed increasingly by business interests promoting the measure.
The original draft envisaged a requirement to comply only with labour standards in the "country of origin". Even accepting Mr Parlon's interpretation of amendments currently in contemplation, these would do no more than ensure rates of pay do not fall below the level set by the National Minimum Wage.
Our employment standards, extending from pay levels to pension entitlements and other benefits such as sick pay, are determined largely by voluntary collective agreements - even for workers who are not in trade unions. All of these would be undermined by the proposed directive. - Yours, etc,
JACK O'CONNOR,
General President, Siptu,
Liberty Hall,
Dublin 1.