Mandate Trade Union supports Sinn Féin Household Charge Repeal Bill
Wednesday 28 March 2012Mandate Trade Union has announced its support for the Sinn Féin Household Charge Repeal Bill which was launched today. Representing over 45,000 workers in the retail and bar trades, Mandate has called on the Government to withdraw the €100 Household Charge on the basis that it is unfair and regressive.
The union’s General Secretary, John Douglas, explained that Mandate is supporting Sinn Féin’s Household Charge Repeal Bill as the union feel that this charge disproportionately affects those on lower incomes. However, Mr Douglas made clear that Mandate will support the Government in introducing a fair and progressive property tax.
“One of the causes of the country’s current economic difficulties was our over-reliance on transaction taxes like Stamp Duty. In order to rectify this situation we need to put a proper tax system in place and a property tax needs to be part of that – however, one that is fair and progressive.
“The Household Charge is unfair and regressive because it levies every household – whether they have an income of €10,000 or €1,000,000 – the same amount of money, €100. This is simply not right! We are delighted to support Sinn Féin in their efforts to address this unfair charge and we urge TDs of all parties to support this bill,” John Douglas concluded.
