Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Deputies for bringing forward this important Bill. The aims of the Bill are honourable, and that is why Sinn Féin is happy to support it being progressed to Committee Stage.

The establishment of a clear legal process for trade union recognition from employers if at least 20% of employees are members would be a very positive step for workers' rights in this State. The North is forging ahead on workers' rights issues in view of the introduction of the good jobs Bill by economy Minister, Dr. Caoimhe Archibald. Under that legislation, unions will have enhanced rights to request workplace access for recruitment and members' engagement. This will open up collective bargaining across a wider range of sectors. The Bill will also reduce the threshold for the number of employees required before a union can apply for recognition from 21 to ten.

Sinn Féin has long stood in support of trade union recognition and the fundamental right of workers to be represented by their unions. I acknowledge the work done by my colleague Deputy Louise O'Reilly in this space with regard to support and progression of trade unions and trade union representation. Our position is rooted in the core belief that every worker deserves fair representation, dignity and the ability to collectively bargain for better wages, conditions and rights. Unfortunately, the Government is at odds with our progressive stance. Since coming into power, this Government has attempted to renege on workers' rights commitments made during the general election campaign. The introduction of the living wage in 2026 has been shelved until 2029 at the earliest. The introduction of pension auto-enrolment has been paused indefinitely. The increases in statutory sick leave entitlements have been delayed as well. Delay follows delay. The Minister of State did not delay in increasing the number of junior Ministers and their €45,000 top-up payments. That was a priority for this Government, which continues to argue against the living wage.

I ask again about the EU adequate minimum wage directive. This is important legislation. It is probably one of the most important pieces of legislation to have emerged in a long time. Government speakers may assert that this directive negates the need for trade union recognition, but there has been no action from the Government on transposing it into domestic law. Where is the work plan committed to in the programme for Government? It was not in the Government's spring legislative programme. We are halfway through 2025 and there is no sign of a work plan. I urge the Government to take action and not engage in more delays. Our all-island economy is becoming more integrated. This is a good thing in the face of so much global uncertainty. Going forward, it makes sense that legislation on workers' rights should be standardised on an all-island basis.

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