Northern Ireland

Congress notes with increasing concern the confluence of events which are undermining the stability of society and the economy in Northern Ireland. Congress notes with severe regret the failure of policy makers to heed the advice

of serious stakeholders over many years and reasserts its position, as the largest civic body in both jurisdictions of this Island, to express and progress the interests of our members and wider society.

In these circumstances, Conference affirms its full support for the affiliates and Trades Councils in Northern Ireland and their campaigning against a damaging Brexit, for a rights-based restoration of all of the institutions of the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and for a Forum for Social Dialogue which can address some of the economic consequences of a decade of Tory austerity – low pay in private and public sectors, the 1% pay cap and severe under-investment across society and our economy.

Congress reaffirms its support for the principle of devolution as outlined and enshrined in the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and will seek the following from the Executive (or in the absence of an Executive the British Government) in order to make local devolved Government more relevant and responsive to the needs of workers:

• That the parties reaffirm and commit to support the principles and practice of power sharing as envisaged under the terms of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, particularly given the nature of the divided society in Northern Ireland.

• That the will of the people of Northern Ireland who oppose Brexit be respected and that any Assembly subsequently elected agree to transpose future progressive EU directives in the areas/competencies that are devolved, in particular, employment rights.

• That the aims and purpose of the trade union campaign, Better Work Better Lives, be integrated into the work programme of any forthcoming Northern Ireland Executive, or prioritised by Direct Rule ministers
  using the vehicle of a new Forum for Social Dialogue, which would be comprised of

the key 4 representative pillars, namely
the trade union movement, the employers, the community & voluntary sector and
the farming community, working with the Government of the day. Such a forum could be modelled on the Welsh Council for Economic Development.

• Congress repeats its demand made each year since the signing of the Belfast/Good
Friday Agreement that its commitment to a comprehensive Bill of Rights be honoured.

There can be no return to the selective interpretation of rights and equality of the collapsed Executive. A Bill of Rights with meaningful ownership for each citizen is necessary for the advancement of a rights- based society and the development of equality as a birth right and a lifelong process.