Unions divided over Lisbon Treaty referendum

Trade unionists are still divided over the Lisbon Treaty amid claims and counterclaims over its impact on workers' rights.

The TEEU is claiming a Yes vote will not bring the Government any closer to recognising the right of Irish workers to collective bargaining.

The union said it wants a special binding protocol added to the treaty that would give priority to workers' rights.

However the Charter Group, which was set up by pro-treaty trade unionists, claims the treaty would establish the European Charter of Fundamental Rights as primary EU law and so give workers the opportunity to vindicate their rights in the European Court of Justice.