1 May 2025

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O’Toole MLA has questioned Sinn Féin’s mixed messaging on workers’ rights on International Workers’ Day.

He was speaking after Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald outlined proposals to be included in any future Good Jobs Bill legislation in the Assembly this week.

In Belfast City Council this week the party backed a pilot scheme to allow extended Sunday trading.

South Belfast MLA Mr O’Toole said:

“We have seen many glossy graphics from Sinn Féin online this week outlining all the great things they plan to do for workers in Northern Ireland. What we actually heard from the Economy Minister was a serious of proposals, not yet put into legislation, not yet agreed by the Executive and with no guarantees it will pass through the Assembly during this mandate.

“At the same time this week we saw Sinn Féin backing proposals to extend Sunday trading in Belfast, removing one of the protections that workers value the most. It is at best mixed messaging to make lots of aspirational promises on workers rights, but in the same week actually impose a change that retail workers and their unions don't want.

“Of course, restrictions on zero-hour contracts and other protections would be welcome, but in itself is a roll-back on a commitment to ban them. We also heard commitments from the Minister around the introduction of paid carers’ leave, with no clear funding or plan for its introduction. Much of what’s proposed for the Good Jobs Bill is admirable, but at the minute it isn’t a Bill, it’s a series of vague promises from the Minister and as the public has learned repeatedly this Executive rarely delivers on its promises.”