People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin
The motion was tabled by Cllr Shaun Harkin who said that current legislation does not protect all workers who need compassionate leave for a bereavement with some having no guarantee at all of receiving paid leave.
Said People Before Profit Cllr Harkin: “I was glad to be able to bring a motion to Council supporting the Coalition for Bereaved Workers demand for at least two weeks statutory leave and pay anyone faced with the loss of partner or family.
“The Council unanimously backed the motion calling on Stormont to extend bereavement legislation currently under consideration.
“Our Council can also lead on this important issue by implementing humane bereavement policies for our workforce.
“Stormont’s employment laws are outdated and need a complete overhaul.
“Incorporating bereavement leave and pay into legislation can be a step towards creating a more caring society.
“I want to commend the efforts of all the groups in the Coalition for Bereaved Workers and everyone who has campaigned for bereavement leave and pay to be put into legislation.”
Full motion:
“Council welcomes legislation at committee stage in Stormont for Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay.
“Council notes the Coalition for Bereaved Workers concern that this bill is a ‘missed opportunity’ and ‘does not go far enough’.
“Council will write to the Stormont Economy Committee to urge that they further the legislation on bereavement policy so that everyone who is bereaved of a close relative or partner is entitled to 2 weeks statutory bereavement leave and pay in line with the Coalition for Bereaved Workers campaign objectives.
“Council will also undertake a review of its own bereavement policy in conjunction with unions that seeks to establish two weeks statutory bereavement leave and pay for all Council workers.’
