David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

Next year, we will mark the centenary of the 1913 lockout. In recent months and years, we have had a number of high profile cases of workers engaging in sit-ins to demand their just entitlements. They included employees of Waterford Crystal and TalkTalk in my constituency, and Game and Vita Cortex elsewhere. While some of these cases have been resolved, many of them have left a sour taste in the mouths of those who support worker and employment rights. A small number of former employees of H. W. Wilson, which was taken over by the multinational company EBSCO Publishing, are seeking to have their rights vindicated. The company is refusing to implement a Labour Court recommendation. Similar circumstances pertain in CRH which is refusing to comply with a Labour Court recommendation and withholding the wages to which workers are entitled.

As we approach the centenary of the 1913 lockout, it is important that we do not commence 2013 without strengthening workers' rights. There is little point in any of us crying crocodile tears for workers who are suffering or being forced to engage in sit-ins and protests to secure their just entitlements. As legislators, we have a responsibility to legislate to protect workers and enhance their rights and entitlements. In addition to the high profile cases of which all of us are aware, there have been many cases outside the media spotlight involving workers in small businesses who are having their rights trampled on by unscrupulous employers. While most employers are fair, legislation is needed to deal with the large number of them who are not fair. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on employment rights, including the right to collective bargaining and trade union recognition and, more important, the need to strengthen and enhance the rights of working people as we approach the anniversary of the Dublin lockout.