Publicly-funded body accused of ‘setting new standard in meanness’

Trade union Unite, which represents workers throughout the economy, today (Sunday) slammed the Cobh Heritage Centre’s decision to disregard a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) recommendation in May that a long-serving worker’s pay be increased to the Living Wage, with the increase backdated to April 2023.

Unite took the case to the WRC after the Cobh Heritage Centre – which is funded by Cork County Council – offered the union’s member a pay increase significantly lower than that offered to other workers at the centre. This followed an effective 14-year pay freeze.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is outrageous that a publicly-funded body should flagrantly disregard a recommendation made by the state’s disputes resolution mechanism and continue paying a worker well below the Living Wage. Coming on top of a 14-year pay freeze, this sets a new standard in meanness.”

Regional officer Eoin Drummey said: “The Cobh Heritage Centre has spent nearly six months sitting on the WRC recommendation while our member continues working for poverty pay after 26 years’ service.

“Unite is calling on the Cobh Heritage Centre to immediately implement the WRC recommendation in full.”