Marking May Day 2019 Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan called on European election candidates to commit themselves to a Fairer Europe for Workers.
The Dublin MEP said: The theme of this year’s European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) congress is a ‘Fairer Europe for Workers’. Congress is calling for just transitions, social justice and quality jobs. “In Ireland and across Europe workers are unable to access secure housing or health services as and when they need them. Childcare is unaffordable for many forcing women out of the workforce. “Low paid precarious work and bogus self-employment remain prevalent. There is little discussion at government level about the need to ensure a just transition for member states workforces as set out in the Paris Agreement on climate change. “In Ireland we have demonstrated what can be achieved when progressive forces come together in common cause. In 2015 Sinn Féin first introduced a banded hours scheme to support the Dunnes Stores workers action against unfair ‘flexi-hour’ contracts. Banded hour contracts are now a statutory right.
“Together we must build on this progress to advance social and economic constitutional rights including the right to housing. “It is time now for the introduction of a living wage; subsistence wages have no place in a modern democracy. “We need to see a cohesive response from EU governments to the climate change emergency, and a just transition strategy needs to be placed front and centre. “If European election candidates are to truly represent the interests of Irish workers in Europe they must commit to uphold and deliver the principles’ of a Fairer Europe for Workers.”
