Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor D. McGuinness has said workers and communities are paying the price for Government failure to properly legislate for remote working and modernise employment rights.
Speaking in the Dáil as Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Teachta McGuinness said the Government’s continued failure to strengthen remote working laws is holding back workers’ rights, rural development and community growth.
“Workers and communities are paying for Government failure in remote work policy. Remote work must become a right, not a perk. It should be an entitlement for workers in roles where it is feasible, not a favour that can be withdrawn at any moment.”
“This is about workers’ rights. It is about family life, mental health and work life balance. It is about recognising that workers are capable of delivering and do not need to be micromanaged from a desk.”
“For every 1,000 remote jobs, more than 220,000 hours are saved in commuting time every year. That is time returned to families and to communities. Almost one quarter of people who work from home for part of the week volunteer in their communities. That strengthens local sports clubs, Tidy Towns committees, the RNLI and countless voluntary groups across Waterford and beyond.”
“Every 1,000 remote jobs brings approximately €13 million into local economies each year. Remote workers spend locally during the week. They support small businesses, cafés, shops and services. That sustains employment and keeps rural communities alive.”
“The Government’s resistance to properly strengthening remote working rights reflects an outdated and paternalistic attitude. If Ministers are serious about balanced regional development, reducing congestion and emissions, and supporting working families, then they need to legislate. Continued failure is not neutral. It is a political choice.”
Teachta McGuinness said Sinn Féin will continue to press the Government to end its failure on remote work and introduce robust legislation to ensure modern, flexible working is protected in law for workers across Waterford and the state.
Conor D. McGuinness TD 