Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I rise to support Senator Cullinane's amendment. Having worked as a trade union representative at local and national levels for more than 15 years, two factors never cease to amaze me. First, middle line management who are not employers but represent them can take it as a personal attack when an employee takes a case. There are serious examples of victimisation in the public and private sectors. Second, there is a fear in the workforce. It is impossible to understand why so many workers will approach a trade union representative and ask him or her to represent them in particular cases without using their names. I have never figured out how someone is supposed to represent a worker's case without using that person's name.

Post-hearing victimisation is a serious issue. While there is legislation to deal with victimisation, I support Senator Cullinane's proposal to include such a measure in this legislation. The last time the Minister was in the Chamber, I complimented him on simplifying, or at least going a long way towards simplifying, industrial relations via this Bill. It gives us a clearer road to travel in terms of problems with industrial relations, equality, etc. The amendment would provide certain guarantees and allow workers some comfort when taking cases. Neither the Minister nor I can legislate for what people think. Unfortunately, there is little that we can do in that regard. However, this amendment might give some comfort.