Trade Union recognition 'should be mandatory' following threats against Mandate

CORK North Central TD Mick Barry has said that the law should be changed by the new Dáil to make trade union recognition mandatory.

His call came after Paddy Power threatened to report Mandate union organisers to Gardaí for trespassing if they enter their shops to talk to their workers.

According to the Sunday Business Post, the Paddy Power threat was contained in a legal letter sent to Mandate last Friday

Mandate has 350 members among the 1400-strong Paddy Power workforce.

A Labour Court ruling on union recognition at Paddy Power is expected this week.

The Workplace Relations Commission has recently ruled on claims that Paddy Power does not provide sufficient breaks for workers by awarding €100,000 in compensation to 160 claimants.

Mandate has submitted a claim for union recognition, sick pay, safe and adequate staffing levels, better Sunday pay and a pay scale starting at the Living Wage rate of €12.30 an hour.

Mr Barry said: “Threatening union organisers with the Gardaí for trespass is just blatant union-busting tactics and should not be tolerated in 21st Century Ireland.

"The new Dáil should prioritise passing such laws.”