SIPTU has called on the Irish Government to use its diplomatic leverage to ensure that the upcoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union prioritises the introduction of mandatory protections for construction workers posted within the EU.
The renewed appeal comes as talks on revising the European Union’s social security coordination regulations approach a critical juncture. A key issue yet to be resolved is the requirement for mandatory prior notification when workers are posted to another member state, a measure seen by unions as essential to combat exploitation and social dumping.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Greg Ennis, said: “After nine years of delays since this proposal was first made in 2016, construction workers across Europe cannot wait any longer for these crucial protections and upholding of standards. The current exemptions for short-term postings and so-called ‘business trips’ are creating dangerous loopholes that undermine workers’ rights and facilitate exploitation for construction workers.”
He added: “Our Union is warning that without robust measures unscrupulous employers will avoid social protection and security obligations leaving workers being left without proper protections and decent employers suffering from unfair competition.”
As the EU finalises its position, SIPTU is urging Ireland’s representatives to push for binding rules that ensure dignity, fairness, and proper protections for all construction workers, regardless of where they are posted in the EU.
For more updates and the official union stance, visit SIPTU.ie.
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Agenda Stage
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