Ireland viewed as reactionary state, says union chief

IRELAND is viewed in the developed world as a “reactionary state” because of the absence of collective bargaining rights, it has been claimed.

Speaking at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions conference in Killarney, IMPACT general secretary Shay Cody said trade union visitors to Ireland were amazed at the absence of the right to collective bargaining for workers seeking representation in negotiation with employers.

“Ireland is unique with a Supreme Court observation determining national policy on a fundamental human right,” said Mr Cody. “The Supreme Court has, on two occasions considered the matter and concluded that the constitutional right to association also implies the right to disassociation. This gives employers the right to refuse to engage with the trade union representatives of a workforce. Internationally that leaves Ireland as the most reactionary state in the developed world.”