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European Election candidates for the Ireland South constituency participated in a lively debate on workers’ rights and what can be done at EU level to improve them at a special hustings in the Connolly Hall, Lapps Quay, Cork City, on Monday (27th May).

The hustings were hosted jointly by SIPTU and the ICTU. Six candidates have confirmed their attendance, they are; Susan Doyle (Social Democrats), Paul Gavan (Sinn Féin), Niamh Hourigan (Labour), Billy Kelleher (Fianna Fáil), Grace O’Sullivan (Green Party) and Cian Prenderville (People Before Profit).

SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, said: “The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages and its transposition in Ireland as well as the union-led Respect at Work campaign were discussed at the event. The new Directive aims to increase workers’ ability to collectively bargain with their employers which the EU sees as a vital strategy to promote greater equality in the economy and society.

“The issue of worsening inequality in many European societies, including Ireland, underlies the emergence of problems around hate campaigns against migrants and the rise of groups who have been characterised as ‘far-right’.”

She added: “All the candidates pledged their support for the Respect at Work campaign. Each candidate also stated that if elected they will work with the union movement in Ireland and the EU to strengthen workers’ rights and protections against victimisation for trade union activity.”

SIPTU Honorary President Mary O’Sullivan chaired the event and ICTU European Officer Gerry McCormack also addressed it.

For more information on the Respect at Work campaign which is jointly led by the Communications Workers Union, Mandate Trade Union, the Financial Services Union and SIPTU, visit www.respectatwork.ie