Sir, - Padraig O'Morain's article (May 28th) and the letters from E. Dunne and M. Walsh (June 6th) are welcome contributions to the debate on low pay.
Community Employment scheme workers are among the fastest growing workforce in the Irish economy. When there's a reduction in the unemployment figures there's a corresponding increase in CE scheme workers - currently at 53,000.
I welcome the initiative of the ATGWU in addressing the problem of low pay. Nevertheless, the trade union movement's attitude towards CE workers is one of indifference and sometimes contempt.
In Cork thousands of scheme workers are coerced members of SIPTU. We are given no trade union membership cards and no representation whatsoever. Yet,
50p per week is deducted from our wages and paid over to SIPTU, for no gain other than to be low paid. - Yours. etc..
Old Youghal Road,
Cork.