Labour TD and party workers’ rights spokesperson Senator Nessa Cosgrove has today called on the Government to give every worker a legal right to flexible and remote work.
It follows comments from business leader Denis O'Brien who has dismissed working from home as “a load of nonsense”.
Senator Cosgrove addressed Leinster House, saying it is time for the Government to step into the modern world and to support workers with real rights, and not outdated opinions.
The businessman excoriated an "entitlement culture" which sees junior employees "dictating their work practices to their employers" and said everyone needs to get back to the workplace immediately.
Senator Cosgrove said in response
“For thousands of people, flexible and remote work has been life-changing. It’s not a luxury — it’s a necessity for working parents, carers, those facing long commutes, and people priced out of urban centres.
“Labour has been crystal clear: everyone who can work remotely should have a legal entitlement to flexible work from day one. The world of work is changing, but this Government and obviously Denis O’Brien, are stuck in the past.
“Flexible work has already made workplaces more equal. It’s helped women workers stay in the workforce, supported carers, and opened up opportunities for people outside cities. A right to flexible work is a right to a more diverse, fair and modern economy.
“Flexible work is not just good for workers’ well-being and work-life balance — it’s good for the economy, the environment and society as a whole. Less commuting means less congestion and lower emissions. Remote work helps people choose where they live, reducing the pressure on housing in urban centres and spreading opportunities across the country.
“The Government must recognise this and act accordingly. The benefits are obvious, but we need political will to make flexible work a real right, not a privilege.
“What’s really striking is that women are among the most concerned about being forced back into the office. Flexible work has been a gamechanger for those balancing work and care. Rolling back these gains would be a step backwards for gender equality and for workers’ rights.
“Labour will always fight for workers. We published legislation in 2022 to give people a real right to flexible and remote work. It’s clearly what working people want, and what they need. The Government must act now.”
