‘Totally indefensible in modern society’ that 35% or workers do not earn more than minimum wage

The SDLP economy spokesperson cited the figures from a survey by Derry Trades Union Council during a debate on workers’ rights in the Assembly.

“It used to be said that the best route out of poverty was a job, but that is no longer true. After years of wage depreciation suffered by workers, more and more people are being pushed into poverty even while they are working, and generations of families are growing up without opportunity.

"In my city, a survey by the Derry Trades Union Council found that 35 per cent of workers in the area do not earn more than the minimum wage, while 73% struggle with bills. That is totally indefensible in a modern society,” she stated.

The Foyle MLA was speaking to a motion supporting trade unions in their campaign to improve workers’ rights and conditions.

She said ‘the trade union movement itself has been hollowed out by regressive legislation introduced by the British Government in the 1970s’ and that ‘too often, unions are not given their rightful seat at the table’.

"Although I am used to talking about the need for jobs for Derry, this is not about the need for any jobs; it is about the need for quality jobs. Good jobs are about many things: decent pay that eliminates in-work poverty; proper conditions that mean that workers are respected and valued at their work; a voice in that workplace; and security of tenure, where workers are free from the fear of unfair dismissal.

"Government has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the jobs and investment that we attract give people hope for their future,” the SDLP MLA said.

During the same debate Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy said low pay was leading many people to leave the country for better opportunities elsewhere.

“If I were to scroll down through my contact list today, I could read name after name of people who have left Ireland in pursuit of a better life and of better career opportunities.

"Young people from across all communities and all corners of our country, equipped with their own unique skills and talents, have found themselves feeling underpaid, undervalued and overworked.

"Sadly, they have seen no compelling case to stay and build their career here. It is heart-wrenching, and we all understand the devastating impact that it has on families and communities, as it is an experience that many of us have felt personally. That cannot continue,” he stated.

Mr. Delargy said local politicians have to work together to ‘do everything in our power to ensure that our young people see a future here at home’.

"We can begin to do that today by agreeing to strengthen workers' rights for young people and to commit to their enjoying, whatever path they decide to follow in life, fair pay and good working conditions at home,” he said.

Calls for workers’ demands to be met ahead of largest joint strike in living memory