The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has today (May 15th) met with Opposition parties to discuss concerns about the Government's continued erosion of workers' rights.
The cross-party meeting saw a senior team of union leaders, led by Congress General Secretary Owen Reidy, meet with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald TD, Social Democrat Acting Leader Cian O'Callaghan TD, and Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik TD.
Last month, the Government announced it would delay the introduction of a living wage until 2029, alongside postponements to the abolition of sub-minimum youth rates, extension of sick pay, and the introduction of pension auto-enrolment. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has re-iterated that any further backsliding on workers’ rights could result in industrial unrest, and urged Opposition parties to support workers amidst economic turbulence.
Speaking following the meeting, Congress General Secretary Owen Reidy said:
We were pleased to meet with Opposition leaders today and share the clear message from union members and low paid workers nationwide: by breaking their promises, and rowing back on basic protections, the Government has plunged thousands of low paid workers into economic uncertainty.
Global economic turbulence should not be used as an excuse to short-change workers, and I was heartened to hear strong support for those workers from across the Opposition. We believe that political pressure is critical in ensuring Government lives up to its commitments, and I look forward to working closely with all parties to make this happen”
