The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) is to ask politicians and candidates running in the next general election to sign up to a new charter outlining enhanced rights for workers.

The trade union movement aims to set out the response of political parties to the new document at its forthcoming conference in Ennis in July. It also plans to publish the responses of individuals on its website in advance of the general election.

The charter has five points covering pay, hours of work, representation rights and respect in the workplace. It says that in order to earn a living income from full-time work – taking account of taxes and welfare – it would be necessary for a single adult to earn at least €11.45 per hour.

Ictu believes this living-wage rate could be introduced over a three-year period.

The charter also says there should be an end to low and zero-hour contracts for workers as well as precarious work practices.

“Every worker has the right to a regular contract of employment which provides security of hours and certainty of income,” Ictu says.

The charter also says that every worker has the right to be represented “without fear of victimhood and to have a union represent them in collective bargaining negotiations with their employer”.

Respect and dignity

It says Ireland has no legal framework which supports workers seeking to assert these rights. The charter also states that every worker is entitled to be treated with respect and dignity.

“No one at work should be subjected to bullying or any other form of abusive behaviour. To ensure this right is vindicated, a national charter of workplace ethics must be developed and put in place.”

It also says that every worker employed under a publicly-tendered contract should be entitled to enjoy all the rights and protections outlined in the charter.

It is understood that all left-wing groups in the Dáil have indicated that they will sign up to the Ictu charter. Other parties are understood to be still considering the document.