Motion no: 1
Conference commends the dedication and expertise of affiliated trade unions and trades councils whose input into the content of the Good Jobs, NI Employment Rights Bill was essential for this landmark legislation to be formulated. Combined, there is an unanswerable case for justice for all working people across Northern Ireland.
A majority of people understand the need for this legislation and support it. Equally it is clear a majority of MLAs in the NI Assembly would support the bill being completed in this mandate. Yet, the Bill continues to be blocked by one Party at the Executive level.
Affiliates have lobbied and campaigned for rights for all workers, especially those not yet in unions. Affiliates will continue this campaign including taking action necessary to defend the rights of working people.
Consequentially, Conference instructs the NIC to continue:
- [ii] seeking the application of workers’ rights in NI that align fully with the highest standards of employment and human rights entitlements on these islands and across the European Union;
[i] campaigning to see the NI Employment Rights Bill [“Good Jobs Bill”] enacted in law as soon as practically possible;
[iii] co-ordinating with affiliated trade unions to carry out actions in support of this objective in the face of continuing opposition from conservative political forces and reluctant business interests.
This is too important to let wither in the final days of the present NI Assembly mandate. This legislation will return again and again until workers here have the rights they need for good jobs and a decent life. Affiliates working together will result in working people determining the shape of workers’ rights.
