Crowe supports workers’ rights legislation

Speaking in support of a Sinn Féin Members’ Motion that seeks to protect and enhance worker’s rights, Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe said:

“One of the consequences arising from the recession has been the disgraceful treatment of workers by their employers when made redundant.

“To name but a few, the employees of Waterford Crystal, TalkTalk, la Senza, Lagan Brick, Vita Cortex, Game and Wilson Publishing have, after losing their jobs, had their basic entitlements denied. Regardless of the loyalty they have shown to their employers in terms of time served – or the role they have played in making their company profitable – all too often their rights and entitlements have been denied.

“The purpose of the Sinn Féin PMB is to enhance and enshrine fairness for workers by ensuring anyone who is unfortunate enough to lose their job can at least have the processing of their claim and entitlements done quickly and without undue complications. It also seeks to the address the 76 weeks waiting time for those wishing to attend an Employment Appeal Tribunal and it would ensure workers have at least 4 weeks notification before having their contracts terminated.

“The significant profits made by companies during the so-called boom years were further boosted by the tax incentives and generous grants that were provided to multinationals. Despite the incentives on offers, companies who came to this country and used its resources and supports treated their workers with contempt.

“Despite the fact that many workers have worked hard to meet company productivity targets, which led to the accrual of significant profits, these same loyal workers have had their basic employment rights denied. There is simply no excuse for Irish workers to be treated in this way and if employers are able to withhold wages and other basic redundancy entitlements then clearly the law is not adequate.

“It is significant that this Bill went before the Oireachtas on May Day. Many years ago workers went on strike in Dublin to improve their rights and the challenge for the Government is to act and ensure there are no more cases such as La Senza, Vita Cortex or Lagan Brick.”