Measures to tackle low pay and precarious employment; the introduction of a statutory right to union recognition; and a commission to set out a pathway to a four-day working week are among the priorities set out in the Social Democrats\u2019 workers\u2019 rights policy, which was launched in Cork today.<\/p>\n
The policy was launched by Cllr P\u00e1draig Rice (Cork South-Central candidate), Ciar\u00e1n McCarthy (Cork North-Central candidate) and Catherine Murphy, the party’s justice spokesperson.<\/p>\n
In government, the Soc Dems will introduce a statutory right to collective bargaining, ensuring that union officials have a right to access workplaces to communicate with both their members and unorganised workers.<\/p>\n
The party would also replace the minimum wage with a living wage in two years and establish a commission to research, trial and set out a pathway to the introduction of a four-day working week.<\/p>\n
The Soc Dems would also legislate to protect workers from being penalised on the grounds of trade union membership; create a regular review of the new Living Wage benchmark to ensure it reflects the actual cost of living; and combat precarious working practices by expanding the scope of existing bans on zero-hour\/if-and-when contracts.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the launch, Cllr P\u00e1draig Rice said:<\/p>\n
\u201cStrengthening workers\u2019 rights is fundamental to social democratic politics. The policy we are launching today is focused on tackling low pay and precarious work; supporting the growth of trade unions; and improving workers\u2019 rights legislation.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the most effective ways to support workers is to enable them to join trade unions and represent themselves collectively. This empowers workers to bring about change from the bottom up.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout Irish history, trade unions have played a major role in promoting economic equality, pushing up living standards, and supporting democracy. These achievements have benefitted all citizens, particularly, low and middle-income employees and those who face multiple forms of disadvantage.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also important to highlight that a number of issues related to public sector pensions have been allowed to fester under the outgoing government. This particularly impacts uniformed service personnel, including members of An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na and the Defence Forces, as well as fire service and prison staff. This is causing serious retention problems and the Social Democrats are committed to addressing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ciar\u00e1n McCarthy said:<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Ireland, in-work poverty has become increasingly common, with low pay disproportionately affecting women, single parents, younger workers, and migrants.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cost-of-living crisis has seen many workers\u2019 real earnings and living standards stagnate or decline. For younger workers beginning their careers, various forms of insecurity are quickly becoming the new normal.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, many of the solutions to these problems are not overly complicated. Strong workers\u2019 rights legislation, and the provision of high-quality public services by the State, are key to improving living standards for workers.\u201d<\/p>\n