Calls for major changes to proposed remote work laws

ICTU leader: "In its current form, the right to right to request remote work bill is not a fair balance of employer and employee needs"

Patricia King, ICTU’s general secretary, said:  “ICTU and affiliates are urging all members of the Oireachtas to work with trade unions and Government in getting this legislation fit for purpose and enacted without delay to ensure that the gains from remote working are not lost.”

Employees should be obliged to give objective reasons if they refuse an employee’s request to work remotely, a number of industry leaders have commented this week.

Firstly, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, in its address to the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment this week, ICTU’s general secretary, Patricia King, has demanded significant amendments to proposed legislation designed to establish workers’ rights to request remote working arrangements.