The government’s action plan to promote collective bargaining lacks the ambition to provide a level playing field for workers, according to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney.
Deputy Gibney, who is the party’s spokesperson on employment, said:
“A review of our collective bargaining laws and many other action points in the plan are welcome. However, it is clear from this plan that there is not much desire from government to remove the employer veto, which has stifled progress in this area for so long.
“The proposals around public procurement, access to workplaces for union officials and active promotion of collective bargaining will need to be followed through on properly for this plan to result in positive change for workers.
“The continued prioritisation of employer interests over those of employees is frustrating at a time when we are seeing ordinary workers struggling to get by.
“Triumphant announcements from the Minister about reinforcing the system of voluntary industrial relations continue to miss the point on collective bargaining.
“This government is still content to leave all the power in the hands of the employer, with an action plan that does not guarantee recognition for workers who are continually denied their right to collective bargaining. Without this right, we will not reach our EU target of 80 per cent collective bargaining coverage.
“This country needs to provide quality jobs that come with fair terms and conditions for workers. The action plan published today is a missed opportunity to guantantee that.
“If we want better workplaces, better wages, and a better societal dividend from business, employers cannot continue to have a veto on whether they want to strike a fair deal or not.”
November 5, 2025