Fine Gael said today it will introduce legislation which recognises the rights of workers to engage in collective bargaining if elected to government.;
Oh dear!!
Oh dear indeed. What unions are seeking is the right to force employers to recognise them i.e. allow them to 'represent' employees in relation to pay and conditions. Such a 'right' might make sense where there are proper checks and balances in place e.g. binding arbitration. But in Ireland unions have virtually total freedom to push employers to (and beyond) the brink e.g. Electrical contractors dispute, Waterford Crystal, ESB (average earnings >€70000), HSE etc. Even when disputes are referred to the Labour Court, unions often reject its recommendations - on the basis that they don't like the outcome.
It is no suprise that the vast majority of multinationals in Ireland are non-union, they recognise that unionisation would almost certainly drive them out of business. It is a virtual certainty that American companies will give Ireland a miss if union recognition becomes compulsory.
It is astounding that Fine Gael are leading the charge on this crazy proposal - it represents a stunningly crass atempt at populism. Enda Kenny might succeed in becoming Taoiseach, but at what price? He seems destined to mimic FF i.e. create countless 'hostages' to fortune. This approach will surely render FGs chances of effecting radical change at nought.
This country really has the most short-sighted, self-serving and myopic polticians in the developed world.
I hope that the world economy picks up fast -its our only hope - for an escape route - it seems that anyone who aspires to a decent life,and who has a grain of intelligence and ambition should emigrate - before its too late...