'Right to demand change': Longford-Westmeath TD on motion to strengthen workers’ rights
The Sinn Féin Dáil motion, being debated today (Tue), is being supported by ICTU
Longford-Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke said Sinn Féin will bring forward a Dáil motion this week to strengthen workers’ rights and address the deepening cost-of-living crisis.
The Sinn Féin TD stated the motion, which will be debated today (Tuesday), is being introduced in close cooperation with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions as part of Sinn Féin’s broader campaign to support workers and expand collective bargaining rights.
It comes during Trade Union Week Monday, April 27-to-Friday, May 1, and trade union representatives will be present in the Dáil’s public gallery to follow the debate.
Sinn Féin will host ICTU representatives in the AV Room at Leinster House on Tuesday afternoon to brief Oireachtas members on their Quality Employment and Good Jobs policy proposals.
Deputy Clarke said, “Workers have never worked so hard and struggled so much.
"They are under sustained and growing pressure.
"Rising costs are eroding wages, living standards are being squeezed and far too many people are stuck in low-paid, insecure work without decent conditions.
“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.
“Sinn Féin’s motion calls on Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Regional Independents to take immediate and decisive action, including legislating for a right to collective bargaining through trade unions, guaranteeing trade union access to workplaces and delivering a living wage without delay, reversing the deferral to 2029."
Sinn Féin have also called for expanding flexible and remote working rights
Deputy Clarke said the motion reflects growing frustration among workers, and she stated evidence is clear that workers 'feel undervalued and underpaid' at present.
"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.
“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."
Deputy Clarke said 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."