Leo Varadkar unveils plans to ban some public sector strikes

Fine Gael leadership contender Leo Varadkar has come under criticism after he said a government led by him would ban certain public sector strikes.

Mr Varadkar, widely seen as the front-runner in the governing party’s leadership contest, included the proposal in a 12-page manifesto.

The manifesto states: “We will legislate to make Labour Court recommendations binding on employers and unions in essential public and security services as determined by the Oireachtas.”

It continues: “People should no longer be inconvenienced by strike action in essential services. The Labour Court will be the final arbiter and will ensure that workers receive a fair response to any claim.

“This will not impinge on the right to strike until a Labour Court determination is made.”

But David Cullinane, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for workers’ rights, said the proposal would effectively destroy the Labour Court.

Mr Varadkar wants to make “decisions that benefit the employer enforceable by law but also wants to keep decisions that benefit employees as nothing more than recommendations”, he claimed.

“His daft idea would mean there would be no incentive for trade unions to use the Labour Court any more, as the benefits of a unenforceable recommendation in their favour would be completely outweighed by the injury of a statutory enforceable decision that goes against them.

“It also contradicts European Human rights law that sees the right to strike as a fundamental right of self defence.”