Largest Irish trade union refuses to back Lisbon Treaty "Yes" vote

Dublin  - Ireland's largest trade union has refused to back the European Union's Lisbon Treaty in an upcoming referendum unless the government promises to introduce legislation to safeguard workers' rights, the Irish Independent reported Saturday.

The Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) represents over 200,000 workers in a variety of sectors. It wants the government to pass laws guaranteeing the right to collective bargaining, as is provided for under the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights.

"Our basic position is that we're not going to support this, we're not going to support a watered down version of the treaty unless the same provisions apply in relation to workers here as will apply to workers all over Europe," SIPTU President Jack O'Connor said.

O'Connor said the ratification of the EU's Nice Treaty had "facilitated a 'race to the bottom' - the large scale casualisation of jobs and an explosion of employment agencies."

The union chief said that if the government give a commitment within the next two weeks to implement the Charter, the union would "respond accordingly."

Taoiseach (prime minister) Brian Cowen has ruled out concessions to any party in order to win support for the treaty in Ireland's June 12 referendum.

"There has been a linkage made to collective bargaining rights, which is a subject of discussion in the social partnership talks. It's not an issue that will be resolved before the end of June and the discussions are ongoing," he said.

"SIPTU see the treaty itself as a good thing and a good treaty for everybody. I regret the fact there is a linkage but it is their right and entitlement to put that point of view," Cowen added.

Ireland is the only EU member to ratify the EU Reform Treaty, which aims to simplify the decision-making process in the now 27- member bloc, by popular vote. A poll last Sunday showed an eight- point lead for the yes camp. (dpa)

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