Sinn Féin spokesperson on Workers’ Rights, Louise O’Reilly TD, has said that government must do much more to support workers who are struggling in the cost-of-living crisis.

Research published by the ETUC (European Trade Union Confederation) which highlights the growing economic inequality faced by workers in Ireland and across the European Union. In 2022, 14.8% of Irish workers could not afford a week’s holiday, representing a significant 3.83 percentage point increase from the previous year.

This shows conditions are worsening for many workers and there is an urgent need for government intervention. 

Teachta O’Reilly said:

“This research shows that workers now more than ever need a government on their side. Too many workers are struggling financially. Costs are mounting up across rent, mortgages, childcare and petrol to name just a few.

“Work should be a direct route out of poverty but this study shows that even where they are working all week almost 15% of workers in Ireland cannot afford a one week break. This report shows that for ordinary workers, the cost-of-living crisis is far from over. Too many struggle to get by and deserve a break from spiralling costs.

“The ETUC warns that the figures for 2023 may be even worse and this underlines the need for intervention. Sinn Féin believes that the best way for workers to improve their terms and conditions is to be a member of and be active in their trade union – this means that workers must have access to Unions and Unions must have access to workers. In order to ensure this, Sinn Féin in government will deliver the right to organise – this will facilitate workers having a strong voice and the capacity to bargain for their own terms and conditions.

“Government must do much more across the board to ensure that workers get a much-needed break from spiralling costs. Too often, they pay lip service to cutting costs but then fail to deliver where it counts. They must tackle soaring rents, cut childcare costs to affordable levels and end the scandal of rising back-to-school costs.

“A Sinn Féin government would stand up for workers and ensure workers get the support they need to have the decent quality of life that they deserve.”