The protest will highlight the need for the Government to ensure that public contracts support decent work, collective bargaining and quality services, rather than rewarding employers who win contracts by driving down wages and conditions.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Ed Kenny, said: “Public procurement policy has a direct impact on the wages, conditions and job security of thousands of workers in essential contract services. Too often, contracts are awarded based on lowest cost, with little regard for the workers delivering these vital services.”
He added: “Our protest on 1st July will send a clear message to the Government that public money must be used to support decent employment standards, quality services and responsible employers. The development of the National Public Procurement Strategy is an opportunity to get this right.”
The Office of Government Procurement, which is based within the Department, is developing Ireland’s first National Public Procurement Strategy. SIPTU is calling for that strategy to include strong protections for workers and to ensure collective bargaining and fair employment standards are central to the awarding of public contracts.