EU:Irish workers may benefit from new rights if the reform treaty is ratified, John Monks, general secretary of the European Confederation of Trade Unions, said.
Mr Monks, who took part in a meeting on the fringes of the EU summit in Lisbon, said the Charter of Fundamental Rights - a bill of rights that is made legally enforceable by the treaty - would eventually extend labour rights in the Republic. "This could have a big impact on Irish people working for US firms that don't recognise unions," he said. "Over the years the case law will build up regarding the charter, particularly at the European Court of Justice. This will boost workers rights." He said this was one of the reasons he regretted Britain's decision to opt out of the charter. But he said even British workers could benefit - how could an "opt out" work when a case straddled two countries? This would be the case for ferry workers, he said.
The Government initially placed a reservation on the charter but has since wholeheartedly endorsed the document. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said last night: "I think it will boost rights not just for workers but for all Irish citizens," said Mr Ahern. - Jamie Smyth