Sinn Féin brings forward Dáil motion to strengthen workers’ rights

Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke, says Sinn Féin will bring forward a Dáil motion this week to strengthen workers’ rights and address the deepening cost-of-living crisis.

The motion, which will be debated on Tuesday, is being introduced in close cooperation with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions as part of Sinn Féin’s broader campaign to support workers and expand collective bargaining rights.

It comes during Trade Union Week (April 27 – May 1), and trade union representatives will be present in the Dáil’s public gallery to follow the debate.

Sinn Féin will host ICTU representatives in the AV Room at Leinster House on Tuesday afternoon to brief Oireachtas members on their Quality Employment and Good Jobs policy proposals.

“Workers have never worked so hard and struggled so much. They are under sustained and growing pressure. Rising costs are eroding wages, living standards are being squeezed and far too many people are stuck in low-paid, insecure work without decent conditions,” said Teachta Clarke.

“At a time when the economy is performing strongly, delivering billions in surpluses, workers are not seeing the benefits. Many feel undervalued and underpaid, and they are right to demand change.

“Sinn Féin’s motion calls on Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Regional Independents to take immediate and decisive action, including:

• Legislating for a right to collective bargaining through trade unions

• Guaranteeing trade union access to workplaces

• Delivering a living wage without delay, reversing the deferral to 2029

• Expanding flexible and remote working rights

Teachta Clarke said the motion reflects growing frustration among workers, and added:

“Evidence is clear that workers feel undervalued and underpaid. A majority do not believe they are fairly compensated for the work that they do, and many who are not currently in a union want the opportunity to join one.

“At the same time, job quality remains a serious issue, with one in four jobs low-paid or insecure. Ireland is also falling behind other EU countries when it comes to collective bargaining coverage in the workforce.

“That is why Sinn Féin is calling for a legal right to collective bargaining and guaranteed union access to workplaces. Trade unions deliver better pay, better conditions and stronger, more productive economies. Strengthening workers’ rights is not just the fair thing to do, it is the smart economic choice.

“The decision to delay the introduction of the national living wage from 2026 until 2029 impacts over 200,000 low-paid workers. They cannot afford to wait three years while the cost-of-living crisis continues to worsen. Action is needed now.

“Sinn Féin is committed to working with trade unions and other progressive voices to deliver real change. This motion is about standing up for workers and ensuring they have fair pay, secure jobs and a strong voice in the workplace. It is also an opportunity to deliver real, meaningful change for workers and their families.

“I am calling on all parties across the Dáil to support this motion and back the measures needed to build a fairer, more balanced economy for all.”