Calls to end lack of clarity around Good Friday by making it a public holiday for all

The Labour Party – once described as “godless” by its conservative party opponents – wants Good Friday to be a State holiday.

Workers’ rights spokesperson Marie Sherlock has urged the Government to end the “discretionary” treatment of Good Friday.

While some public services go dark for the day commemorating Christ’s crucifixion, Labour wants it as a permanent public holiday for all workers.

Senator Sherlock said: “The situation as it stands is deeply unfair for workers. There is always confusion among workers as to whether Good Friday counts as a public holiday or not.

“There are some employers who treat Good Friday as a discretionary day. However, we know that the majority of workers in retail, tourism and hospitality fail to benefit from this.

“Labour is calling on Government to make Good Friday a public holiday for all workers to provide equality across the board.

“It’s deeply unfair that some workers benefit due to the benevolence of their employer, while others do not.

“The failure to regularise the situation points to a government out of touch with many workers in the economy.”

Designating Good Friday as a public holiday could be a win-win decision, according to Ms Sherlock.

“We know the benefit of public holidays to workers – with additional time to rest, relax, spend quality time with friends and family – but also the benefit to the economy as a whole,” she said.

“Extra public holidays are just one way of improving life for workers in Ireland.

“The introduction of the new public holiday in February was welcome, but we need to look at work across the economy as a whole and ensure it’s fair for all.”