Speaking in the Assembly today Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney said that strong trade unions and workers’ rights protections are essential to build a prosperous and more equal economy.

The Party’s Workers’ Rights spokesperson said: 

“Strong trade unions are integral to a socially cohesive society where unions and workers are protected through legislation and collective organisation.

“Increased trade union density should be a core political and economic objective  if we are to build an economy that is both productive for businesses and rewarding and safe for workers and their families.

“Recent research from the ‘Respect at Work‘ campaign and Queen’s University Belfast reveals that anti-union activity by employers is on the rise throughout Ireland with workers reporting incidents of victimisation of union activists, and employers actively discouraging workers from joining unions.

“Anti-union activity is the opposite of what we as a society need to solve the problems of low pay, insecure working conditions and wealth inequality in our society.

“As the ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights bill progresses through the assembly, the onus is on all members to exert their efforts to legislate for stronger unions and collective bargaining rights; for the betterment of workers and their families, higher labour standards, better wages, safer and healthier workplaces and protections against discrimination or harassment in the workplace.

“Stronger and well paid jobs are the engine of innovation and economic growth. Trade union organisation is vital to bring that about.”