Sir, – The Government’s decision to appoint an independent mediator is welcome and should help resolve the public sector dispute. The Government’s change of heart recognises the value of negotiation and collective bargaining in resolving disputes and addressing workers’ pay and conditions amid the cost-of-living crisis.
But this crisis also affects private sector workers. Many face employers who refuse to recognise their trade unions or negotiate collectively, leaving workers with little influence over decisions affecting their livelihoods.
If the Government recognises the value of collective bargaining for its own employees, it must ensure private-sector workers can benefit from it too.
The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages requires countries where collective bargaining coverage falls below 80 per cent to establish an action plan to increase it. The Government must turn that obligation into meaningful progress for workers.
RM Block
All workers face rising living costs. All deserve the right to organise, be represented by their trade union and bargain collectively for fair pay and decent conditions. – Yours, etc,
NORMAN A CROKE,
Straffan,
Co Kildare.
