Labour demands action on collective bargaining
Labour demands action on collective bargaining - The Labour Party
- Workers want right to collective bargaining rights
Labour’s Workers’ Rights Spokesperson Senator Nessa Cosgrove, speaking from the ICTU Biennial Delegate Conference today, has strongly backed the Respect at Work campaign’s new petition calling for urgent legislation to strengthen collective bargaining rights.
The campaign – a joint effort by SIPTU, FSU, CWU and Mandate – is calling on Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke TD to fulfil the pledge he signed during the last general election and back strong legislation protecting trade union access, workplace representatives, and the right to bargain collectively.
Senator Cosgrove said:
“During the last general election, eighty-nine TDs, including Minister Peter Burke, signed the Respect at Work pledge committing to support legislation on this issue. The time to act on that commitment is now.
“Ireland has the weakest workers’ rights in western Europe and is an outlier on trade union recognition in the workplace. Trade union density has fallen, and collective bargaining coverage is about half the projected EU target of 80%.
“The Respect at Work campaign, supported by many unions and NGOs, has launched this petition to ensure those who made promises to workers keep them. These are not vague aspirations – they are concrete commitments that must be honoured.
“The public overwhelmingly supports action. Polling by Ireland Thinks in both 2021 and 2024 confirms that 74% of workers want a legal right to collectively bargain with their employer, and 75% support stronger protections for those organising a union in their workplace. That support cannot be ignored.
“We also know that the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages places a clear obligation on countries like Ireland – where collective bargaining coverage is under 80% – to implement National Action Plans to promote bargaining rights. This Government must use the upcoming plan to deliver on the promise of change. We know that greater workplace democracy leads to increased productivity, flexibility, and innovation, and will enable more sustainable and resilient economic growth.
“Minister Burke put pen to paper on a pledge that stated clearly: support for legislation that protects workplace reps, ensures union access, and guarantees the right to collective bargaining. That signature matters. It was not symbolic – it was a commitment to every worker in this country.
“The Respect at Work petition is about holding our political leaders to their word. It’s time to legislate for the rights of workers. It’s time to end the delay.
“I am calling on Minister Peter Burke to honour the pledge he signed. He must introduce robust legislation that guarantees collective bargaining rights, protects union organisers, and ensures access to unions in every workplace. This is his chance to stand on the side of working people. He must take it.”