Labour Senator Marie Sherlock
A Labour senator has called for Good Friday to be made a public holiday for all workers in Ireland.
Marie Sherlock said it is a public holiday in the UK and other places in Europe also give employees a day off.
She said it would ensure fairness and basic respect for people forced on Good Friday while others have reduced hours or are off. Senator Sherlock said: “It’s a unique day in the Irish calendar.”
During an interview with RTE Claire Byrne, Senator Sherlock said the majority of employees who worked yesterday were in the hospitality or retail sector – who tend to be paid less. She also stressed some people are forced to take an annual leave day because the office is closed.
The ISME CEO, whose organisation represents small and medium-sized businesses, said making Good Friday a public holiday would mean employers would have to pay employees premium pay.
Neil McDonnell said it would force some firms to close which would cost employers more.
He stressed this year has seen a significant increase in labour costs after the Government changed how sick pay works. Mr McDonnell said: “This move would make it significantly worse.”
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