Fine Gael To Legislate On Collective Bargaining

Fine Gael have taken an unexpected political step, claiming they will introduce legislation recognising worker's rights to engage in collective bargaining and unions.

The move is surprising as the party has traditionally been associated with centrist policies, and limited government interference with matters of the economy.

Announcing the plan today, the Party’s Enterprise, Trade & Employment Spokesman, Leo Varadkar said a decision had been passed during a recent meeting of the Fine Gael Front Bench to commit to the legislation for the right of workers to engage in collective bargaining with their employer.

“Ireland is the only country in Europe in which workers do not have a legal right to engage in collective bargaining with their employer. The right to collective bargaining is included in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which forms part of the Lisbon Treaty.

"The issue of workers rights is centre stage in the debate on the Lisbon Treaty Referendum. Fine Gael believes that if the Irish people vote for the Lisbon Treaty, any future government must honour the Charter in its national laws."

Despite the promise to legislate on the matter, Mr Varadkar would not specify what form of collective bargaining rights Fine Gael would posit for in Irish law.

The Enterprise spokesman explained there where alternative models to collective bargaining, with employers bound to recognise employee unions in Australia and mainland Europe, while a majority in a secret ballot was necessary in the USA. "I believe that the solution for Ireland lies somewhere in between," Mr Varadkar said.

(DW/BMcC)