Kevin Callinan: How collective bargaining can benefit staff, employers and the economy

Ireland is one of the EU states trying to water down the collective bargaining elements of the proposed EU Directive on Minimum Wage. It’s an ill-advised move on our part

‘Collective benefit means stronger protections and better wages for workers but it can also improve productivity and boost demand.’ Picture: Fergal Phillips

Ireland is an outlier among longstanding EU nations when it comes to collective bargaining coverage, and new research to be published by Fórsa tomorrow suggests we’re close to non-compliance with international law on the right to be represented by a trade union.

This at a time when long-held positions are shifting on both sides of the Atlantic. “Union guy” Joe Biden’s administration is starting the process of beefing-up collective bargaining rights, and Ursula von der ...