Enterprise Minister must address economic challenges ahead in the Dáil
Enterprise Minister must address economic challenges ahead in the Dáil
Labour’s enterprise spokesperson George Lawlor has called on Minister Peter Burke to provide an update in the Dáil on Government scenario planning with the news that TikTok is due to shed its workforce.
Deputy Lawlor said:
“My thoughts are immediately with the workers who will be impacted by today’s news. It is a deeply worrying time for them and their families.
“Unfortunately we’ve been here before with the heavy handed approach taken by tech companies in Ireland. We’ve learned of a number of job cuts from Google, Meta, Amazon, Twitter, PayPal, Stripe, Salesforce, Intel and Microsoft. Today we are adding TikTok to the list.
“Clearly the sector is in chaos in Ireland and it is causing immense uncertainty for the thousands of people who rely on the industry for a living
“In the first instance, the Minister must ensure that Irish labour laws are adhered to and that employees are engaged with fairly and in accordance with their rights. Government must hold TikTok to its legal obligations to employees.
“We are in totally uncharted territory as companies and Governments scramble to keep up with the whim of US President Donald Trump.
“At this point, the Minister needs to make a statement in the Dáil on how the Irish Government is scenario planning for any potential job threats or concerns for our economy.
“Thousands of jobs and billions of revenue could be at risk as companies attempt to assess the changing economic landscape under Trump. Minister Burke must back these workers and send a clear message to employers and employees alike that all avenues must be explored to protect the livelihoods of working people in Ireland.
“Finally, I reiterate the advice of Labour to all working people, which is that trade union membership is one of the best ways to mitigate against the worst effects of cutbacks by employers.”