Senator Ivana Bacik nominated for Innovation in Politics Award

8 October 2018

Labour Senator Ivana Bacik has been nominated for an Innovation in Politics Award, 2018 for the Competition (Amendment) Act 2017 which restored to low-paid, vulnerable freelance workers, including freelance journalists, musicians, and actors the fundamental right to be collectively represented by Trade Unions.

This began as a Private Members Bill sponsored by Senator Ivana Bacik and came after years of campaigning by Trade Unions following a 2004 ruling by the Competition Authority. The Bill received cross-party support and has attracted widespread international interest and praise for its innovative approach to workers’ rights.

Commenting on her nomination Senator Bacik said:

"I am delighted to be nominated for an Innovation in Politics award. This piece of legislation was much needed and I am proud that the Labour group in the Seanad worked to have it delivered.

"The Competition (Amendment) Act 2017 is designed to allow self-employed workers, such as actors or journalists, who personally provide work or perform services, to collectively bargain with their employers. However, the Bill is narrowly drafted so as to ensure consumers remain protected from illegal price-fixing.

"I am proud to have achieved this gain for self-employed and freelance workers in Ireland."

There are 80 finalists in 8 categories for the Innovation in Politics Awards 2018 - chosen by the jury of 1,053 citizens from all over Europe. The winners will be announced on 17 November at the Innovation in Politics Awards Gala at Vienna City Hall.

Labour Cllr. Andrew Montague has also been nominated for an Innovation in Politics Award for his work on the Dublin Bike Scheme.

Former Irish nominees for the award include former Tánaiste and Labour Party Leader, Eamon Gilmore.