Unions optimistic about new workers' rights law

A group of trade unions has said it is "optimistic" that new workers' rights legislation will be forthcoming under the next Government after widespread support for its General Election pledge.

The Respect at Work campaign is a collaboration of four unions - SIPTU, Mandate, the Communications Workers Union and the Financial Services Union.

The campaign asked political candidates to sign a pledge supporting the introduction of new laws which promote collective bargaining, protect workplace representatives and ensure the right to access a trade union.

"The endorsement of our General Election pledge from across the political spectrum shows a widespread demand for stronger workers' rights," said campaign spokesperson Ethel Buckley.

Earlier this month, the Government said it expected to meet a deadline to transpose a major EU directive on workers' rights.

Unions, however, accused the State of not fully implementing the rules by failing to pass new legislation.

The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages seeks to reduce working poverty and inequality by improving statutory minimum wages, as well as promoting collective bargaining.

Collective bargaining is the process of negotiation between employers and employee representatives such as trade unions.

"We will be reminding all parties after this election of the widespread support for stronger workers’ rights," said Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

"The current Government have committed through their support for the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages to promote collective bargaining," Mr Reidy added.