The Government has published a new Action Plan on Collective Bargaining, outlining measures to boost workers’ access to collective representation and strengthen the role of trade unions. 

The Action Plan delivers a key Programme for Government commitment and was developed with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and the employer body, Ibec.  

The document says collective bargaining practices have proven effective in tackling inequalities and improving welfare and wellbeing outcomes for wage earners, and that it fosters “stable labour relations and industrial peace.”  

The proposal to reintroduce tax relief on trade union subscriptions is a key feature of the Action Plan, acknowledging the role of unions in promoting fair and productive workplaces.  

Tax relief on union subscriptions was originally introduced in 2001, following a long campaign by IMPACT, one of Fórsa’s founding trade unions. The relief was abolished by the Government as an austerity measure following the financial crash. Fórsa has since actively campaigned to restore it.

Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said the proposal “is an overdue but very welcome step that acknowledges the essential role of trade unions in achieving balanced and sustainable economic progress. 

“Fórsa has consistently called for the restoration of tax relief on union subscriptions since it was abolished in 2011. Its reintroduction is a practical and symbolic recognition of the value of collective representation and social dialogue. It also signals that the State intends to enable, rather than obstruct, the right to bargain collectively,” he said. 

The Action Plan commits to improving union access to workplaces, linking public procurement to good employment standards, and promoting collective bargaining coverage in line with EU requirements. 

The plan builds on recommendations from the High-Level Group on Collective Bargaining and the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages, which requires member states to strengthen collective bargaining structures. 

Kevin said Fórsa would continue to engage with Government and employers to ensure delivery on the plan’s commitments: “We will work to make sure these measures are implemented in full so that more workers can benefit from the protection, fairness, and voice that collective bargaining brings.” 

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