SIPTU criticise Govt on workers' rights

SIPTU has severely criticised the Government for blocking an EU directive designed to improve rights for part-time and temporary workers.

The Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrats joined forces with Britain, Denmark and Germany on Tuesday to block the Temporary Agency Workers Directive under the EU Council of Ministers' qualified majority voting rules.

The 11 other EU member states supported the directive, which would have given temporary workers the same rights as full-time employees.

SIPTU said the Government's actions would allow employment agencies to exploit women, immigrants and low-paid workers.