Waterford TDs say motion is aimed at strengthening workers' rights

Sinn Féin TDs for Waterford, Deputies David Cullinane and Conor D. McGuinness, have said Sinn Féin will bring forward a Dáil motion this week to strengthen workers’ rights and address the deepening cost-of-living crisis.

The motion, which will be debated today (Tuesday, April 28),is being introduced in close cooperation with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), as part of Sinn Féin’s broader campaign to support workers and expand collective bargaining rights.

It's also being tabled during Trade Union Week which runs from April 27 to May 1.

Trade union representatives will be present in the Dáil’s public gallery to follow the debate.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise and Employment Rose Conway-Walsh TD, will also host ICTU representatives in Leinster House this afternoon afternoon to brief Oireachtas members on their Quality Employment and Good Jobs policy proposals.

Speaking on the matter, Deputy Cullinane 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," he said.

"Many feel undervalued and underpaid, and they are right to demand change," he added.

He said the motion will call 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 and guaranteed trade union access to workplaces.

“Sinn Féin is also calling on the Government to deliver a living minimum wage without delay and to expand flexible and remote working rights," said Deputy Cullinane.

“The decision to delay the introduction of the national living wage from 2026 until 2029 impacts over 200,000 low-paid workers," he added.

He went on to say such workers can't afford to wait three years while the cost-of-living crisis continues to worsen and that immediate action is needed.

Meanwhile, Deputy McGuinness said the motion reflected growing frustration among workers.

“The evidence is clear that workers feel undervalued and underpaid," he said.

"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," he added.

However, Deputy McGuinness also said 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," he said.

“That is why Sinn Féin is calling for a legal right to collective bargaining and guaranteed union access to workplaces," he added, before commenting: "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."

He said his party was 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," he said.

"It is also an opportunity to deliver real, meaningful change for workers and their families," he added.

“We are calling on all parties across the Dáil to support this motion and back the measures needed to build a fairer, more balanced economy for all.”