A new report has found that rumour spreading and hostility to female union representatives have been uncovered as part of a toolbox of tactics used to frustrate union organising in Ireland. The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Ireland unveiled its new report on union access in Ireland on Wednesday 9th October.

The study, titled ‘Union Access to Workers in Ireland - Barriers faced by representatives in Ireland within a comparative European context’ documents a range of tactics employed to limit union access, from subtle manoeuvres to outright intimidation.

The report, authored by Dr. Michelle O’Sullivan and Dr. Caroline Murphy, draws on a comprehensive survey of union officials to bring to light serious obstacles facing union organisers across the country. The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), Germany’s oldest political foundation (est. 1925), promotes social democracy. Its Dublin office fosters progressive dialogue and strengthens German-Irish relations among policymakers and unions.

Speaking at the launch of the report Dr. Michelle O’Sullivan summarised the broader impact of unions on society: “Unions and collective bargaining are crucial for economic growth and democracy, benefiting everyone involved.” As the November 2024 deadline approaches, there is cautious optimism among union officials, who stress the need for robust implementation to ensure meaningful progress.

This report positions union rights as integral to a just economy and a democratic society, underscoring the need for urgent reform to protect and expand workers' rights in Ireland.

According to the report, a toolbox of sly restrictive practices used by employers have made it increasingly challenging for unions to reach and represent workers, especially in the private sector.

One of the report's most alarming findings is the heightened hostility faced by female union representatives. Data indicates that three out of five hostile actions are directed at women more frequently than their male counterparts.

The report describes how: ‘The findings show that union recognition has become increasingly difficult, especially in the private sector. Employer hostility and anti-union sentiment are significant problems.”

Common anti-union tactics that are detailed in the report include stonewalling/delaying responses, victimisation of union members, and line managers briefing against unions. The most common anti-union action experienced by officials was “spreading rumours about them.”

To address these obstacles, the report offers three primary recommendations. The first is the introduction of a “union default pilot” or statutory rights for union recognition, backed by penalties for employers who do not comply. This would ensure that workers have more straightforward access to union support. 

The second recommendation is reframing denial of union rights as not only a labour issue but also a health and safety concern.

The report suggests that anti-union actions should be viewed under a strengthened Code of Practice on Flexible and Remote Working, where these more subtle forms of resistance can be addressed.

Finally, the report calls for unions themselves to improve internal practices, advocating for enhanced information sharing and training programs to help representatives navigate hostile work environments.

The FES report also points to the role of the EU Adequate Minimum Wages Directive, which encourages member states to improve access to collective bargaining. For Ireland, where union membership remains lower than in other European nations, the directive could provide a critical opportunity for change.

By the November 2024 transposition deadline, Ireland could strengthen its union access and collective bargaining laws, aligning with EU standards. “A strong transposition of the directive, in line with its spirit, could bring Ireland in line with international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights,” said Dr. Caroline Murphy, co-author of the report.

Echoing this sentiment, Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), stressed the economic importance of collective bargaining. “The best way to make work pay is by promoting and supporting collective bargaining. The EU Directive commits the Government to do just this. It is unacceptable that hundreds of thousands of workers across the state are still denied access to unions and collective bargaining,” he stated, underlining the potential of the directive to address inequities in the labour market.

The full report can be read here. 

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