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15 Apr 2026

'Need to strengthen and improve workers rights must be paramount for Stormont'

'Bosses are scaremongering - No more Stormont delays on strengthening workers rights' - Cllr Shaun Harkin

'Bosses are scaremongering - No more Stormont delays on strengthening workers rights' - Cllr Shaun Harkin

'Bosses are scaremongering - No more Stormont delays on strengthening workers rights' - Cllr Shaun Harkin.

Reporter:

Staff Reporter

15 Apr 2026 12:33 PM

Email:

news@derrynow.com

"The need to strengthen and improve workers rights must be paramount for Stormont," according to Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shaun Harkin (PBP).
"This demand is a priority for workers and trade unions but has been held up for too long already by Stormont Executive parties too under the sway of corporate interests," said Cllr Harkin. 
"The attempt by bosses in manufacturing, farming, agr-food, construction, professional services, logistics, retail and hospitality to further delay the implementation of the Good Jobs Bill is unacceptable," he added.
"This is scaremongering by well-financed and powerful employer lobby organisations. 
"The Confederation of British Industry, Ulster Farmers Union, NI Chamber, FSB NI, Hospitality Ulster, Manufacturing NI and others are using fear to stand in the way of workers being treated properly. 
"It has long been agreed that employment rights here are in desperate need of reform, including the removal of Thatcher-era anti-trade union rules. 
"All workers must have the unfettered right to trade union representation, should be protected from zero-hour contracts, paid properly, receive tips and holiday pay, have the democratic right to take action and a lot more," said Cllr Harkin.
"Exploitative practices and trampling of workers rights must be ended," he added.
"The Good Jobs Bill is weaker on workers rights than the People Before Profit sponsored Trade Union Freedom Bill that was cynically voted down by the DUP, UUP and Alliance in 2022. 
"Big bosses can count on the DUP and UUP to stand with them again against workers rights. Alliance must be pressured to end its support for the status quo.
"Employers have had lots of opportunity to have a say on this legislation during the last two years of consultation. And they already have far too much influence on government policies and priorities. 

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"People Before Profit is calling on the Economy Minister to ignore scaremongering by employers to further delay and hold-up this legislation," said Cllr Harkin.
"We will be bringing forward amendments to the Bill to make sure it has the opportunity to be as strong as workers deserve.
"Workers across the North will be joining May Day marches and rallies on Saturday May 2nd in Derry, Belfast and elsewhere to assert their right to trade union representation, an end to exploitative practices, for properly funded public services, housing for all and properly paid jobs. 
"Stormont has facilitated big business and elites for too long. It's time for power and wealth to be redistributed to meet the needs of working-class communities."

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