Good jobs will be transformative for workers in South Down says Hazzard
South Down Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the submission of the Good Jobs Bill to the Executive by Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald.
He urged all parties to work together to ensure the Bill can begin progressing through the Assembly without delay.
“We are living through an unprecedented cost of living crisis. The best way to address that is to ensure working people have access to decent jobs with fair pay, secure conditions and strong workplace protections,” said Chris Hazzard.
“South Down has a flourishing tourism and hospitality economy, with hundreds of workers employed across hotels, restaurants, bars and cafés.
“These workers are also among those most affected by exploitative zero-hours contracts and insecure working practices.
“Across South Down, in our care homes, hospitality businesses and shops, hard-working people are struggling to make ends meet.
“And there are also many carers looking after elderly relatives in rural communities who need more support.
“The Good Jobs Bill will be transformative for workers here. It will tackle exploitative zero-hours contracts, strengthen flexible working rights, protect women from dismissal during maternity leave, introduce carer’s leave and paid neo-natal care leave, and make it easier for workers to join trade unions.
“On Thursday, 28 May, the Good Jobs Bill will go to the Executive, and it is vital that all ministers agree to it so it can proceed to the Assembly for scrutiny.
“This is among the most progressive pieces of workers’ rights legislation ever introduced in the North.”
