Workers at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre protested the implementation of employee parking fees on Sunday.
According to protest organisers, the costs will be equivalent to losing a week’s wages each year.
People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid-West Gino Kenny said that taxing employees for parking at their workplace is “completely unfair.”
“I’m supporting the workers, in relation to the imposition of staff car parking charges, by Liffey Valley.
“Those charges were introduced last Monday, they are extremely unfair, they have been brought in without any consultation with unions and the workers themselves.
“In some cases, workers will be paying north of €600 per year,” Mr Kenny said.
He concluded that the fees should be scrapped.
The managers of Liffey Valley Shopping Centre issued a statement on Sunday saying that the new parking system has been “working positively” since its implementation.
The statement highlighted that the €2.50 per hour tax also applied to staff parking.
“Staff parking facilities are available in pre-designated areas of the Centre for €2.50 per trip,” the statement read. “Sign-up by Staff for the discounted rate of €2.50 per trip has been in line with the projected registration rate envisaged for this group.”
“Staff members with any residual concerns about the new arrangements are being urged to engage directly with their employers on the matter,” the statement added.
The charges, according to management, were essential to provide a “enhanced customer experience” at the retail centre.