Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

The Government has no mandate for this draconian, anti-trade union legislation. It has no mandate for this outrageous attack on public sector workers. It has no mandate for these austerity policies. Remember what the Government parties stated during the general election - "Frankfurt's way or Labour's way", the vulnerable would be protected, the bondholders would be burned and the banks would not get another cent. The Labour Party has finally and completely turned its back on its roots, history and supporters. The Bill is outrageous anti-trade union legislation and the Labour Party and its Minister should be ashamed.

Free elections, free trade unions, freedom of expression, freedom of the press and academic freedom are among the pillars of democratic society. Free trade unions are unions that can say "No" to State demands and vote freely on the merits of issues without incurring legislative penalties. Individuals must retain the right to join or remain in a trade union of their choice without legislative penalty. These rights are being circumscribed in this legislation.

Not only is the Bill likely to be unconstitutional, but it is also in breach of international human rights law. Its introduction by a Labour Minister is shocking and unprecedented. The only comparison dates from 1941 when a Fianna Fáil Government introduced legislation to limit freedom of association that was later declared unconstitutional. This Bill heavily circumscribes the right of workers to be in trade unions of their choice, penalises them for not being in "Yes" unions and curtails their right to freedom of association.

In 1913, striking workers refused to sign what was called the paper, an undertaking not to join Larkin's union. In spite of significant state pressure, brutality and hunger, workers refused to sign it. Some 100 years later, the Labour Party and its Minister are trying to force trade unionists to sign another piece of paper, an agreement that will be registered at the Labour Relations Commission, LRC, and have the effect of imposing cuts on other unions and workers.

The Bill has other outrageous elements, including the introduction of cuts, without any consultation, to pensions valued at more than €32,500 or, in the case of surviving spouses, approximately €16,000. The Minister has once again stated that this will be the last ask, but how can we believe him? He reneged on the commitment under the Croke Park agreement to restore cuts to lower paid workers. There was also to be no further ask during the agreement's course. He has broken both clauses and cannot be believed.

In the name of James Connolly, Jim Larkin and the 1913 workers, I call on the Labour Party to withdraw this anti-trade union legislation.

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