Union's plea over respect for foreign workers

Every person must be entitled to be treated with respect and dignity in Irish workplaces regardless of their country of origin, a union warned today.

At the launch of anti-racism publications, SIPTU’s general president Jack O’Connor said strengthened employment regulation and proper enforcement would aid in the growth of the multicultural workplace.

“Failure to do this will result in devastating consequences immediately and in the longer term,” Mr O’Connor said on International Day Against Racism.

“The fundamental premise that should inform our attitude to immigration in the workplace is that, regardless of one’s country of origin, every person who goes to work in Ireland must be entitled to be treated with respect and dignity and to be paid whatever the national norm applies in respect to the work they do.”

SIPTU, which represents 16,000 migrant workers, published a leaflet ’Diversity in the Workplace – a Guide for Shop Stewards’ on International Day Against Racism.

Mr O’Connor said failure to address these issues in the workplace would aggravate fears and fuel racism.

Mike Jennings, the union’s regional secretary, said: “Every time an employer gets away with exploiting migrant workers two negative consequences ensue.

“First, there is the shameful unfairness against a vulnerable worker but secondly a climate of fear and distrust is built up amongst Irish workers.”

Mr Jennings said Irish workers are fearful following several incidents of migrant workers being exploited and paid less than the going rates.

He said the Government had failed to move against even the most shocking cases of exploitation of workers.

Mr O’Connor said employers who treat people properly have nothing to fear from enhanced regulation and enforcement of employment protection legislation.

To mark International Day Against Racism, the Labour Party has asked all members who originally hail from outside Ireland to give their opinions on how best to create an intercultural and inclusive society.

The party said participation was vital towards creating a society where everyone feels his or her voice is heard.