Any ambiguity on the legality of the Adequate Minimum Wages Directive has been put beyond doubt, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions said today (11 November), following a Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruling.
In its ruling announced today, the Court upheld in full all articles relating to the promotion of collective bargaining.
Commenting on the decision, General Secretary Owen Reidy said:
We warmly welcome the decision of the CJEU today. It vindicates the work of the European Trade Union Confederation, of which Congress is an active member, which sees the promotion of collective bargaining as the key vehicle to deliver decency for workers across Europe.
We have argued that the directive has the potential to be a game changer in Ireland. This decision today along with the publication of the Government Action Plan last week on collective bargaining is very significant. It is crucial now that we get down to work in the new year to make the action plan and each of the 22 actions a reality.
Ireland needs to ensure that all workers who want a union at work can have one without the employer veto. This decision today underlines the importance of a social Europe, which is critical if we are to stem the rise of the far right and ensure that workers and their families can not only survive but thrive in Ireland and across the EU.
ENDS
