Section 15, The Industrial Relations and Trade Union Act, 2024

(1) The Joint National Negotiating Board shall have thesole power to - (a) fix national minimum rate of pay, paid public holidays and maximum hours of work including overtime for all employed persons; (b) cancel or vary a minimum rate of pay fixed, at the petition of a majority of members of the Joint National Negotiating Board representing employees or employers, if it is of the opinion that there has been a substantial change of circumstances since the rate was fixed. (2) The national minimum rate of pay, paid public holidays and maximum hours of work including overtime fixed by the Joint National Negotiating Board under subsection (1), shall not be applicable where more favourable paid public holidays and maximum hours have been agreed by a Trade Group Council. (3) The Joint National Negotiating Board shall publish the national minimum rates of pay, paid public holidays and maximum hours of work including overtime which it has fixed, together with a statement setting out the reasons for fixing such national minimum rates of pay, paid public holidays and maximum hours at work. (4) The Joint National Negotiating Board may make provisions for the employment of - (a) young person by the head of a family or members of such family, in a family business, subject to the requirements of the law, in particular sections 41-44 of the Employment Act, at less than the rates of pay and hours of work fixed under this section; (b) persons who are learning a trade or occupation,lower minimum rates of pay, if the Joint National Negotiating Board determines that it is necessary to secure their effective instruction, and subject to conditions set by the Board; (c) micro, small and medium enterprises informal economy employer employing less than 5 employees. (5) The Joint National Negotiating Board shall, before exercising its powers under subsection (4), give written notice of its proposals and consider an objection to the proposal from an aggrieved party lodged with it within 30 days from the date of the notice. (6) The Joint National Negotiating Board shall not, without the consent of the Commissioner, give written notice of a proposal to vary the rate of pay under subsection (1). (7) The Joint National Negotiating Board shall, in the exercise of its powers under this section, give effect to the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.