Sinn Féin demand workers' legal right to collective bargaining
Sinn Féin is calling for a legal right to collective bargaining as “workers have never worked so hard and struggled so much.”
A motion calling for cross party support to strengthen workers rights and address the deepening cost-of-living crisis is set to be debated in the Dáil this evening. Dublin City Councillor Janice Boylan has issued a statement urging TDs to support measures to address workers facing eroding wages in “low-paid, insecure work without decent conditions.”
Coming amid Trade Union Week (April 27 – May 1), the motion is being introduced in close cooperation with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) as part of Sinn Féin’s broader campaign to support workers and expand collective bargaining rights. Cllr Boylan stressed that current conditions mean “living standards are being squeezed” and “sustained and growing pressure” means more must be done to strengthen workers rights.
“At a time when the economy is performing strongly, delivering billions in surpluses, workers are not seeing the benefits. Many feel undervalued and underpaid, and they are right to demand change,” she said.
Sinn Féin’s motion calls on Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Regional Independents to take immediate and decisive action to deliver the following:
Cllr Boylan said the motion reflects growing frustration among workers and said the “evidence is clear that workers feel undervalued and underpaid.” “A majority do not believe they are fairly compensated for the work that they do, and many who are not currently in a union want the opportunity to join one,” she said.
“At the same time, job quality remains a serious issue, with one in four jobs low-paid or insecure. Ireland is also falling behind other EU countries when it comes to collective bargaining coverage in the workforce.
“That is why Sinn Féin is calling for a legal right to collective bargaining and guaranteed union access to workplaces. Trade unions deliver better pay, better conditions and stronger, more productive economies. Strengthening workers’ rights is not just the fair thing to do, it is the smart economic choice.
“The decision to delay the introduction of the national living wage from 2026 until 2029 impacts over 200,000 low-paid workers. They cannot afford to wait three years while the cost-of-living crisis continues to worsen. Action is needed now.
“Sinn Féin is committed to working with trade unions and other progressive voices to deliver real change. This motion is about standing up for workers and ensuring they have fair pay, secure jobs and a strong voice in the workplace. It is also an opportunity to deliver real, meaningful change for workers and their families.
“I am calling on all parties across the Dáil to support this motion and back the measures needed to build a fairer, more balanced economy for all.”
The motion will go before the Dáil tonight and trade union representatives will be present in the public gallery to follow the debate.
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