The Government has repeatedly introduced “anti-worker measure after anti-worker measure”, the Dáil was told, reports RTE.
TD Paul Murphy from People Before Profit-Solidarity presented a bill aimed at advancing trade union recognition.
Known as the Trade Union Recognition Bill, it proposes that if at least 20% of a company’s staff in a workplace or job category are union members, they should be able to apply to the Labour Court to require their employer to engage in negotiations, reports RTE.
Deputy Murphy said this move would help employees secure better working conditions, wages, and health protections.
He said that despite Ireland’s considerable wealth, it has “the highest rate of low-pay in the EU”, reports RTE.
The deputy further claimed that unjust and “scandalous” employment practices are “absolutely rife”.
Ruth Coppinger, also a People Before Profit-Solidarity TD, added that there is now a rise in companies with “a conscious anti-union policy” in Ireland.
She noted this is particularly evident in the retail industry, even though it was once dominated by unions, reports RTE.
Minister of State for Small Business and Retail Alan Dillon stated that the Government opposes the proposed legislation “for several compelling reasons”, one of which is the potential for it to be deemed unconstitutional.
He said Article 40 of the Constitution protects the formation of trade unions, and the Supreme Court has previously determined that employers cannot be forced to recognise them, reports RTE.
Mr Dillon said recent laws have already strengthened workers’ rights and added that the “Government will continue to protect the measures which have been put in place to protect collective bargaining”.
The bill was brought forward by People Before Profit-Solidarity during Private Members’ Time allocated to the Independent and Parties technical group, and it will be discussed in its second stage today, reports RTE.
Independent TD Brian Stanley criticised the Government’s position, calling their assurances “hollow words”, and pressed for the bill to be passed into law.
He cautioned that unionised and non-unionised employees are being pitted against each other.
“It’s time to close the loop-hole in Irish law,” he said, and “to catch up with our EU neighbours”, reports RTE.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
