Minister exempts most firms from new trade union rights
Stormont's economy minister has taken steps to exempt the majority of businesses from the contentious new trade union rights proposed in the Good Jobs Bill.
Caomihe Archibald's decision aims to facilitate political consensus on the Good Jobs Bill, which represents a major reform of employment law.
Under the revised proposal, businesses employing fewer than 10 staff will be excluded from the new trade union access provisions.
Official statistics indicate that nearly 90% of businesses in Northern Ireland have fewer than 10 employees.
The Good Jobs Bill was initially announced almost two years ago.
The bill was discussed by the Stormont executive on Thursday; however, no agreement was reached as Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) ministers requested additional time to review the legislation.
Several proposed changes have drawn strong criticism from business groups, with the provisions regarding trade union access facing the most significant opposition.
Currently, trade unions generally have the right to enter a workplace only if they are already recognised by the employer.
The bill would introduce a "right to request" for unions to access workplaces to meet workers for recruitment and representation purposes.
Access would not be automatic, but employers would be prohibited from unreasonably withholding it.
Originally, the minister proposed that these provisions would apply to businesses with 50 or more employees in 2028, then extend to firms with 21 or more employees in 2029, and finally cover all businesses from 2030 onward.
'Businesses with less than 10 employees'
On Friday, Minister Archibald announced a change in her position.
"As economy minister, I committed to ongoing, meaningful engagement on the Good Jobs Bill," she said in a statement.
"Following further engagements with employer and trade union reps, I have decided to exempt businesses with less than ten employees from the workplace trade union access provisions.
It is now time for the landmark Good Jobs Bill to progress into the assembly for democratic discussion and scrutiny."
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) indicated it could accept the exemption if it helps secure a deal.
"If in order to secure the support of all executive parties and ensure the passage of the legislation through the assembly, the minister needs to make concessions regarding requirements on small employers to facilitate trade union access, then we will stay the course in the interests of workers and working families," the ICTU said in a statement.
"Our priority remains securing progress that strengthens rights, improves work, and delivers a better future for all."
The trade union body also criticised some business groups, accusing them of "seeking at every opportunity to obfuscate, misrepresent, and delay progress."
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA Phillip Brett welcomed the minister's reversal.
"This change is progress and shows that pressure from the DUP, businesses and employer representatives has forced Sinn Féin to think again," he said.
"However, there is still much more to do. Significant concerns remain around a number of proposals within this legislation and it is vital that the executive gets this right.
The DUP will continue working towards legislation which is fair, workable and strikes the right balance for both employers and employees."
