Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I listened to the Minister but the members of the union see this section very differently. They see it as causing undue discomfort and upset to them. This comes from branches of the trade union right across the country. When I hear moderate members of trade unions calling this section reckless and infuriating, that makes me sit up and listen to what they are saying. They say that it could give rise to industrial unrest, which nobody wants. They see it as being disrespectful of the principles of trade unionism and the democratic rights of members of trade unions to either accept or reject proposals. It is obvious that those who reject something will be punished and it is unprecedented in the history of labour relations because it is a form of coercion of public sector workers. I get the impression that the Minister will re-engage in a way because he says he wants to get members into the agreement but it will mean looking at the unfairness that this section represents to members.

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