‘Good Jobs Bill will be most progressive employment legislation ever to be introduced in the north’ – Kearney
28 April 2025
Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has welcomed the introduction of the most significant workers’ rights legislation in a generation.
Economy Minster Caoimhe Archibald announced the ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights Bill in the Assembly today stating that it will focus on four key areas: terms of employment, pay and benefits, voice and representation, and work-life balance.
The party’s National Chairperson praised the announcement, describing it as a vital step toward strengthening protections for workers and promoting fair employment practices across the north.
“The proposed legislation announced by Minister Archibald represents the most progressive employment legislation ever to be introduced in the north,” said Mr Kearney.
“These measures will put money into workers’ pockets, strengthen their rights, support families, and empower trade unions.
“This proposed legislation will benefit workers and their families, and also help both businesses and the wider economy to thrive.”
Declan Kearney added the bill has the potential to ‘be an exemplar for workers’ rights on this island’.
“As the all-island economy continues to grow and become increasingly integrated, the Good Jobs Bill will be an exemplar for how workers’ rights can be strengthened on this island.
“Going forward it makes sense that legislation for workers’ rights is standardised on an all-Ireland basis. This area could be explored and progressed by the North-South Ministerial Council.”
The South Antrim MLA said ‘cross-party support would deliver a powerful political message to workers on this island’.
“These transformative proposals will bring enormous benefits to workers’ lives across our entire community.
“Cross-party support endorsing the full implementation of this legislation will deliver a powerful political message to workers and families on our island.
“Now is the time to unite behind this new legislation and build a strong, productive economy in which both businesses and workers prosper, and we finally begin to eradicate the scourge of workplace inequalities.”
