Wednesday, 09.10.2024 - Wednesday, 09.10.2024

Launch Event: New FES Report on Trade Union Access to Workers in Ireland

On October 9th, 2024, the FES Ireland launched its report, “Union Access to Workers in Ireland – Barriers faced by representatives in Ireland within a comparative European context.” Drawing on a comprehensive survey of union officials, report authors Dr. Michelle O’Sullivan and Dr. Caroline Murphy outlined the challenges unions face in accessing workers, particularly in the private sector, where employer resistance is both common and often severe.

The report notes an increase in employer tactics obstructing union recognition, ranging from subtle interference to overt intimidation, with female union officials disproportionately affected. The EU Adequate Minimum Wages Directive, encouraging better access for unions, presents a timely opportunity to address these issues, especially with Ireland’s collective bargaining coverage below the EU average. However, the Directive’s impact will depend on its implementation in national law by November 15, 2024.

Recommendations include:

  • Union Recognition and Collective Bargaining: Proposing a union default pilot or statutory rights for union recognition, with penalties for non-compliance.
  • Anti-Victimization Protections: Strengthening the Code of Practice on Flexible and Remote Working to address union rights as a health and safety issue.
  • Enhanced Union Practices: Improving information sharing and training to better support union representatives.

Read the full report here.