Sinn Féin campaign underway to promote workers' rights - Ferguson

In recent weeks Sinn Féin representatives and activists in Derry and across the north have been highlighting how workers and their families will benefit from the Good Jobs Bill with the campaign continuing into September. Ciara Ferguson said: “Already by holding a series of action days in town centres, letter writing, and door to door canvassing, Party members have been raising awareness among constituents on the proposals within this Bill to end exploitative zero hour contracts, strengthen carers' leave, provide neonatal paid leave, ensure workers keep their tips, and to strengthen trade union and workers’ rights. These reforms will benefit every working family in the north." “Despite opinion polls showing widespread community support for the 'Good Jobs' Employment Rights legislation, the DUP continue to block the Bill by refusing to allow it to leave the Executive and commence democratic scrutiny by the Assembly.”

DUP Leader Gavin Robinson MP has claimed the bill risks undermining economic growth and damaging confidence among employers. Ciara Ferguson described the DUP opposition as “totally indefensible” and said it “stands in defiance of international expertise and best practice which demonstrates that legally protected workers' rights are central to developing a productive and fairer economy”.

"It is an absolute misrepresentation to suggest that improved employment and trade union rights are bad for business.

“Local workers and their families are entitled to the same employment rights and protections enjoyed by workers and their families in other regions,” she said.

“When the Assembly resumes business in September, and in the months ahead, Sinn Féin will continue to represent the interests of all our workers by pressing forward with this transformative legislation.”