Government must match rural hub investment with real remote working rights
Government must match rural hub investment with real remote working rights - The Labour Party
Labour enterprise spokesperson George Lawlor TD today called on Government to reverse its opposition to Labour’s remote working legislation following the launch of Our Rural Future 2026-2031. Responding to the plan, he challenged Ministers to explain how expanding rural working hubs squares with blocking stronger rights for the workers who could use them.
Deputy Lawlor said:
“Government wants credit for supporting remote working in rural Ireland while opposing legislation that would help people access it. Ministers cannot credibly promise more working hubs while leaving workers without an effective right to work remotely where their job allows.
“Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil voted against Labour’s Work Life Balance (Right to Remote Work) Bill. That was a political choice. Now they must explain why they support the facilities for remote work but oppose stronger rights for the people who need them.
“For someone facing a long commute, working closer to home can mean lower travel costs, especially in the cost of living crisis. The benefits extend beyond individual households. People who spend more of their working week locally can support nearby shops, cafés and services.
“Our Bill would provide an enforceable right to remote working where reasonably practicable, with safeguards for employers. Workers need a fair assessment of whether their job can work remotely and a meaningful way to challenge an unreasonable refusal.
“Rural communities deserve a Government whose decisions match its promises. Ministers are planning on one hand and undermining that plan with the other. If Government are serious about supporting rural Ireland they must reverse their opposition to Labour’s legislation, strengthen remote working rights and give people a real opportunity to work closer to home.”