President Michal D Higgins has called on Irish trade unionists to play their part in “the transition from an economic model that has failed humanity to one that has yet to be fully realised.” Speaking at the official opening of the recently reburbished Communications Workers Union offices on the North Circular Road in Dublin, President Higgins also said that the personal, social and cultural rights of every worker must be at the centre of a re-built economy.  

Referring to the commemoration of the 1913 Lockout he said that we owe “an enormous debt of gratitude, not only to James Larkin, but to all the workers who stood bravely beside him during that long and difficult fight.”

He said;

“As the heirs and beneficiaries of that difficult and bitter struggle one hundred years ago, we must, as we currently face our own difficult times demonstrate that same determination and resourcefulness to bring about positive changes and to help create a society that we can be proud of – an inclusive society based on the important values of participation, respect for all and fairness.

“It is a challenge in which all Unions, including the Communications Workers’ Union, will be called upon to play their part as Ireland makes the transition from an economic model that has failed humanity to one that has yet to be fully realised.

“As we make that transition we must refocus and reaffirm the values of active citizenship and a caring community and reject the view of the individual as being no more than a consumer of goods and services. We must ensure that the personal social and cultural rights of each citizen, indeed every worker, are placed firmly at the centre of a re-built economy as we deliver our view of a newly imagined Ireland – an Ireland where all citizens can participate equally.

Tá gluaiseacht na gceardchumann tar éis a bheith lárnach i bhforbairt phobal le níos mó ná céad bliain anuas agus creidim go nglacfaidh an ghluaiseacht sin, nó gur cheart go nglacfadh, gluaiseacht ina bhfuil sibh go léir chomh gníomhach sin, ról lárnach in atógáil ár sochaí a bhfuil an oiread sin dochair déanta dó.

[The trade union movement has been central to the development of community for over a century and I believe that the trade union movement, of which you all form such an active part, will or should I say must, play a pivotal role in rebuilding our damaged society.].”