The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has met social protection minister Regina Doherty to urge her to strengthen proposed legislation on zero hour contracts and related employment arrangements.

Proposed laws currently going through the Oireachtas would ban zero hour contracts in most circumstances. ICTU wants them banned in all situations.

Unions have also called for a minimum three-hour payment when staff are called in to work, stronger redress when employers flout the law, and other measures to restrict unacceptable working time practices.

ICTU officials have also met opposition spokespeople on the issue. The bill is currently at committee stage, which means it can be amended.

Read the ICTU briefing here.