Trump row back on workers rights draconian – Ó Ríordáin

29 January 2025

Labour Dublin MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin says Trump’s move to row back on workers rights is a stark warning for Irish and European workers.

Ó Ríordáin said:

“Unfortunately we’ve seen all the moves in this playbook before. The draconian changes to federal workers’ rights in the US acts as a reminder for us all that workers’ rights across the world are under attack.

“Trump’s contempt for workers is clear – but we cannot think that Ireland or the rest of Europe are immune from this form of attack on our hard-fought gains. The far-right are on the march across our union and this is exactly the kind of agenda they are seeking to institution in Europe.

“The manner in which this action has been carried out beggars belief. It should act as a reminder to us all of the principles of our EU values – of social cohesion, workers rights and protection for citizens.

“Fine Gael have already made it clear that they are more Trump than trade union. The last Government has miserably failed to meet the targets laid down in the EU Minimum Wage Directive – the rate of workers in Ireland covered by collective bargaining agreements is one of the lowest in Europe.

“Fine Gael effectively gave employers the right to refuse requests to work remotely. Flexible and remote work arrangements has been a gamechanger for workers with other care responsibilities in their lives, workers who commute long distance, the thousands who have had to relocate out of the main urban centres because of the exorbitant cost of living.

“We cannot allow Trump’s madness and methods to seep in here at home or become the new norm internationally.”

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