Groundbreaking employment law in north will point way forward for All Ireland workers’ rights

» Declan Kearney

Workers are central to developing our economy

The “Good Jobs” Employment Rights legislation due to come before the northern assembly is the most progressive employment legislation ever to be introduced in the north. 

It presents an unparalleled opportunity to grow a productive regional economy that benefits our businesses, our workers and their families within the All Ireland and global economic contexts.

Good jobs, which deliver fair wages, secure employment, strong union recognition and collective bargaining rights, are the cornerstone of a fair and inclusive economy 

The Windsor Framework, has helped to protect us from much of the insecurity and trading turbulence associated with an unregulated Brexit. As a result, the north’s regional economy is increasingly merging with the economy of the south and the European Union.

Cross border trade is surging. 

Increasing trade and production output across manufacturing, engineering and the food products and beverages sector are essential to future economic growth. 

The most recent report from Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre suggests that the north will need more than 5,000 additional workers every year for the next ten years if we are to service and grow the regional economy. However, the report cites long term economic inactivity and a failure to retain highly trained students and workers as among the barriers to the projected growth. 

Workers are central to developing our economy.

They need to feel valued and rewarded.

They are entitled to good employment conditions and enjoy workplace settings where their rights are heard and well protected. 

Studies from The Centre for Business Research (CBR) at the University of Cambridge conclude that “labour laws boost productivity and inclusivity”, and that “strong labour protection is associated with higher employment and lower unemployment”. These also state that labour laws including those regulating flexible working, working time and employee representation have positive productivity effects. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is clear that strong labour laws and union density improve economic productivity and growth. 

In other words, strong labour laws which ensure fair pay and secure working conditions and support strong representation in the workplace, are not just good for workers but also for business and the wider economy. 

These  same principles are central to the Good Jobs Bill. 

The ILO strongly advocates use of social dialogue as a means of positive engagement in the workplace between unions and employees. 

The Bill will ensure fairer treatment of workers in regard to net take home pay, retention of tips and gratuities, holiday pay, and parental leave. 

It will improve terms of employment by giving workers more say on their working arrangements; such as the type of employment contract which best suits the employer and employee; ensuring that workers have income security and more predictable work schedules.

The legislation will also tackle issues around fire and rehire practices, redundancy and notification periods, and the importance of all workers understanding the terms and conditions of their employment.

At a time when the island economy is becoming more integrated and the coalition government in Dublin continues to prevaricate on implementation of the European Adequate Minimum Wage Directive by way of primary legislation, the Good Jobs Bill in the north will be an exemplar for how workers’ rights can be strengthened on this island.

Going forward it makes sense that legislation for workers’ rights should be standardised on an All Ireland basis. This is a policy area which could be explored and progressed by the North South Ministerial Council.

The “Good Jobs” bill will bring tangible benefits to workers’ lives across our entire community. Workers’ rights transcend the historic community divisions that have hampered political, social and economic progress. 

Cross party support endorsing the full implementation of this legislation would represent a powerful political statement about both shared prosperity and a shared future.

This is the time for us all to endorse strong progressive workers’ rights legislation; to build a strong, regional economy; in which both businesses and workers prosper and we finally begin to eradicate the scourge of workplace inequalities.