Do not take Irish workers for granted

DEAR SIR - Having voted 'Yes' in the Lisbon Treaty Referendum before, I will most probably vote 'Yes' again. However, if we turn down the treaty next month, the blame must lie firmly on the Irish Government. Over the last decade, our Government created a mirage of prioritising speculation over sustainable development that has evaporated spectacularly with dreadful consequences for working people and their families. Until 2004, our experience since Ireland joined the EEC was mostly positive. Living standards, people's rights at work and equality legislation improved dramatically. The trade union movement supported the Nice Treaty for all these reasons. However, the situation has changed and many of the difficulties that we now face are actually due to the policies pursued by the Irish Government. After Lisbon was defeated last year, the Government employed Millard Brown to carry out a survey on attitudes as to why the Irish people turned down the treaty. When asked directly, people responded that the issue of protection of workers' rights was more important than any other issues. To date, this problem has not been cleared up, ie, will we have more Gama workers' dilemmas with the transportation of workers from the rest of Europe? Where will be all the registered agreements that were negotiated by our trade unions and social partners? The key findings on workers' rights have since been played down in government and establishment circles, ie, employers' organisations. The reason is obvious. Recognising the issue would entail requirements to act on it and they are not prepared to do so. Indeed, our Government has not even complied with its own undertaking on legislation to enhance employees' rights. In conclusion, the trade union movement, with a half million members, must be given a clear understanding in relation to the fundamental right to participate in collective bargaining which is enshrined in the treaty. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is a responsible body which acknowledges the benefits of the EEC. Please clear up this issue on workers' rights and do not take Irish workers for granted. Yours, Tommy Grimes, 14 Fr McCullen Park, Kells.