FEATURES
Deadline to resolve bus dispute

Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann drivers, who are members of SIPTU, will consider issuing formal notice of industrial action on Friday, 24th April, in the dispute over attempts to privatise 10% of public bus services.


The decision to create a deadline for progress in the ongoing dispute came at a meeting of senior SIPTU shop stewards in Liberty Hall, Dublin, on Monday, (13th April).  


Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann drivers, who are members of SIPTU, will consider issuing formal notice of industrial action on Friday, 24th April, in the dispute over attempts to privatise 10% of public bus services.

The decision to create a deadline for progress in the ongoing dispute came at a meeting of senior SIPTU shop stewards in Liberty Hall, Dublin, on Monday, (13th April).

SIPTU Construction and Utilities Organiser, Owen Reidy, said: “The view of the Strike Committee is that a one-day work stoppage, or any form of minor industrial action, may not achieve our aim of protecting our members' terms and conditions or safeguard the continued provision of a property funded public bus service.”

He added: “We are formally seeking meetings with all relevant parties to this dispute by 24th April. If the concerns of bus workers are not adequately dealt with at these meetings the committee has decided that it will meet to consider issuing formal notice of substantial industrial action.”

SIPTU Bus Drivers in Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann voted by over 90%, in both companies, in favour of industrial action and strike action in a ballot counted on Friday, (10th April). The ballot resulted from the breakdown of Labour Relations Commission (LRC) talks involving the transport unions, representatives of the bus companies, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Department of Transport.

NEWS
SIPTU NEC appoints Gene Mealy as new union Vice President
 
Gene Mealy
Gene Mealy
The SIPTU National Executive Council (NEC) appointed Gene Mealy as the new Vice President of the union at its monthly meeting today (Thursday, 16th April) in Liberty Hall.

Gene Mealy has worked as a full time SIPTU organiser for 29 years and has extensive experience at representing the interests of members at national and industry level across the private, public and community sectors.

The SIPTU National Executive Council (NEC) appointed Gene Mealy as the new Vice President of the union at its monthly meeting today (Thursday, 16th April) in Liberty Hall.

Gene Mealy has worked as a full time SIPTU organiser for 29 years ago and has extensive experience at representing the interests of members at national and industry level across the private, public and community sectors.

He has served as the SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division since 2010 and previously worked for eight years as a Regional Secretary of the Union.

The appointment followed a consultation process within the union after the vice president position had become vacant due to the election of Patricia King as Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary.

Dunnes Stores attack on workers provokes escalation of dispute

Trade unionists in Dunnes Stores have promised to escalate their campaign for decent working conditions following management’s targeting for retribution workers who took part in a nationwide one-day strike.

The strike by over 5,000 Mandate members on Thursday (2nd April), was widely supported by the public and other trade unions. Workers decided to take strike action following Dunnes Stores refusal to negotiation with their union concerning working conditions.   


Trade unionists in Dunnes Stores have promised to escalate their campaign for decent working conditions following management’s targeting for retribution workers who took part in a nationwide one-day strike.

The strike by over 5,000 Mandate members on Thursday (2nd April), was widely supported by the public and other trade unions. Workers decided to take strike action following Dunnes Stores refusal to negotiation with their union concerning working conditions.

In response Dunnes Stores has taken retribution against workers who supported the strike. Mandate members have reported being dismissed, having their hours cut, changes to shift patterns and being moved to sections they have never worked in before.

SIPTU Organiser, Derek Casserly, said: “SIPTU will be holding a series of general meetings with its members in Dunnes Stores in the coming weeks to appraise them of current and future developments regarding the dispute. We are currently awaiting a Labour Court recommendation on the matter.

“We also condemn, wholeheartedly, the tactics employed by Dunnes Stores management in the treatment of our sisters and brothers in Mandate following their legitimate one day stoppage. It has achieved nothing only to strengthen the resolve of the staff in Dunnes and is further proof of the Dickensian manner in which staff are treated.”

SIPTU represents approximately 300 Dunnes Stores workers. 

Solidarity with Dunnes Stores Workers

Solidarity with Dunnes Stores Workers


Solidarity with Dunnes Stores Workers

Health Minister addresses health care assistants conference

Members of the new SIPTU Health Care Sector were addressed by the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, at their first conference in Dublin on Thursday (26th March).


Sector Organiser Marie Butler said that the new sector for health care assistants has been set up in response to the growing demand for representation for this group of ‘hands on’ health workers. She also set out a list of proposals that would lead to the professionalisation of the ‘Health Care Assistant’ across the Irish health service.  


Members of the new SIPTU Health Care Sector were addressed by the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, at their first conference in Dublin on Thursday (26th March).

Sector Organiser Marie Butler said that the new sector for health care assistants has been set up in response to the growing demand for representation for this group of ‘hands on’ health workers. She also set out a list of proposals that would lead to the professionalisation of the ‘Health Care Assistant’ across the Irish health service.

“We recognise that Health Care Assistants in hospital, care and community settings are crucial to the future delivery of health services in Ireland and we welcome the Minister’s keen interest in this area. The conference moved our members one step closer on our journey towards full recognition as a group of health professionals,” Butler said.

Speaking at the conference, Varadkar said the role of health care assistant has become increasingly important, as nursing and midwifery has become more specialised. “Health care assistants play an important role in delivering the highest standard of care, under the direction and supervision of Nursing and Midwifery staff.  This has helped to improve services to patients, and has allowed us to better utilise the skills of nurses and midwives.”

Ann Marie Tibby, SIPTU Shop Steward and Chairperson of the Health Care Assistants' Committee said: “SIPTU had the vision to invest in education and training for health care assistants and now we are confident to take on the next challenge of winning recognition for the vital role we provide in our hospitals and communities.”

SIPTU Health Care Assistants tell us why they are worth it

SIPTU Health Care Assistants tell us why they are worth it


SIPTU Health Care Assistants tell us why they are worth it

Health workers to rally for better services and jobs



A major rally will be held outside of the Department of Health in Dublin on Thursday, 30th April, as part of the SIPTU Health Division campaign for greater investment in healthcare services and workers.  


A major rally will be held outside of the Department of Health in Dublin on Thursday, 30th April, as part of the SIPTU Health Division campaign for greater investment in healthcare services and workers.

The rally will be staged outside the Department at 2.30 p.m. with registration for the SIPTU Health workers attending beginning at Liberty Hall at 1.30 p.m.
 
SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “Front line health care workers have put their shoulders to the wheel and against the odds kept the health service going for the last seven years. During that same period they have endured pay cuts, pension levies, universal social charges and other reductions."
 
He added: “If we want quality publicly funded health services we need to start investing in them. Seven years of cuts has led to more work and less pay for health care workers and spiraling for-profit agency costs. Quality health services need motivated front line staff that give patients the care they deserve.”
Bord na Móna workers meet TDs to discuss dispute

Bord na Móna (BNM) workers and their union representatives met with TDs in Leinster House, Dublin 2, on Wednesday (15th April), to present their position concerning the ongoing dispute arising from attempts by the company to impose changes to workers conditions of employment.  


Bord na Móna (BNM) workers and their union representatives met with TDs in Leinster House, Dublin 2, on Wednesday (15th April), to present their position concerning the ongoing dispute arising from attempts by the company to impose changes to workers conditions of employment.

BNM Group of Unions secretary and SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: “The meeting included discussion of the BNM plan to slash and burn the pay of members working in the company’s business units by €5,000 up to €25,000.

"Other BNM workers face cuts in their real earnings due to the impact of short time working or layoffs for up to four months, amounting to a loss of income of at least €5,000 per worker.”

He added: “The TDs have committed to giving careful consideration of this information and have invited our delegation to return to meet them again in the coming days for further discussion on the issue.”

At a general meeting of the BNM Group of Unions, on Thursday, 9th April, workers decided that if current talks with management at the Labour Relations Commission do not deliver a workable agreement there will be an immediate ballot for industrial action across all sections of the company.

Former Ulster Bank workers’ protest

Former Ulster Bank workers staged a lunchtime protest on Wednesday, (15th April), at Ulster Bank Head Quarters, Georges Quay, Dublin 2 to highlight the non-implementation of a Labour Court recommendation in relation to their redundancy terms.

Redundant porters demand Ulster Bank honour Labour Court award, Dublin, 15th April 2015



Former Ulster Bank workers staged a lunchtime protest on Wednesday, (15th April), at Ulster Bank Head Quarters, Georges Quay, Dublin 2 to highlight the non-implementation of a Labour Court recommendation in relation to their redundancy terms.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Diane Jackson, said: “These workers, who were formerly employed as bank porters, were made redundant in December, 2013. On behalf of the workers, SIPTU took a claim to the Labour Court in relation to the inclusion of regular and rostered overtime in the calculation of their redundancy entitlement.  

“The Labour Court recommended in favour of the workers’ claim but Ulster Bank has refused to implement this recommendation.” 

Successful conference on future of Palestine


Political and trade union activists from across the island attended a one-day conference on the future of Palestine in Liberty Hall on Saturday, 28th March.
 


Political and trade union activists from across the island attended a one-day conference on the future of Palestine in Liberty Hall on Saturday, 28th March.

Among those who addressed the conference, entitled ‘Where Now for the Two State Solution – Solidarity and Sanctions’ - was Ambassador of Palestine to Ireland, Ahmad Abdelrazek, SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor and the Middle East Children’s Alliance Projects Director, Dr. Mona El Farra, who had to address the event via telephone due to the Israeli authorities refusal to grant her a visa.

Dr. El Farra said: “I wanted to come to Dublin to tell the Irish people of the suffering that is going on in Gaza since the Israeli military assault last summer. There has been no reconstruction of any kind and tens of thousands of people are living in temporary accommodation. The scale of suffering and trauma for women and children is immense”.

Jack O’Connor called for greater co-ordination between supporters of Palestine in Ireland to push for recognition of a viable Palestinian state.

Dr Mona El Farra speaking to SIPTU Palestine Conference

Dr Mona El Farra speaking to SIPTU Palestine Conference


Dr Mona El Farra speaking to SIPTU Palestine Conference

Elaine Bradley gives eye witness account of life in Palestine

Elaine Bradley gives eye witness account of life in Palestine


Elaine Bradley gives eye witness account of life in Palestine

Government action needed to end home helps’ zero-hour contracts

The Government must act to end the imposition of zero-hour contracts on home helps working for voluntary sector organisations which are funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide public health care schemes, according to the SIPTU Health Division.

“In recent weeks we have engaged with the HSE on this issue,” said SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell. “It is apparent that the HSE is aware that vulnerable workers are being exploited by the imposition of zero-hour contracts.”  


The Government must act to end the imposition of zero-hour contracts on home helps working for voluntary sector organisations which are funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide public health care schemes, according to the SIPTU Health Division.

 “In recent weeks we have engaged with the HSE on this issue,” said SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell. “It is apparent that the HSE is aware that vulnerable workers are being exploited by the imposition of zero-hour contracts.”

He added: “The Government must put its own house in order in relation to zero-hour contracts. Immediate action is needed to produce legislation aimed at eliminating this employment practice which subjugates and impoverishes vulnerable workers.”

Approximately 3,500 home helps work for community and voluntary sector organisations which are fully funded by the HSE. It is estimated that up to a third of these workers are employed on a zero-hour contract basis. Home helps directly employed by the HSE benefit from a binding Labour Court recommendation which guarantees a basic nine-hour working week.

Zero-hour contracts and low pay the norm for young workers

A survey of the working lives of the under 35s, conducted by the Young Workers Network (YWN), has revealed that nearly 90% struggle to make ends meet with zero-hour contracts and low pay the norm for many.


Other findings of the ‘Working Hours and Pay Survey’ included that 21% of respondents felt their job could end at any time, 20% were working on zero-hour contracts and 20% said their employer gives them less than one day’s notice of their working hours.

A survey of the working lives of the under 35s, conducted by the Young Workers Network (YWN), has revealed that nearly 90% struggle to make ends meet with zero-hour contracts and low pay the norm for many.

Other findings of the ‘Working Hours and Pay Survey’ included that 21% of respondents felt their job could end at any time, 20% were working on zero-hour contracts and 20% said their employer gives them less than one day’s notice of their working hours.

YWN Activist Dan O’ Neill, said: “The results of this survey, when taken in conjunction with other investigations into the terms and conditions of employment of young workers, indicates a worrying shift towards precarious work becoming the norm for many.”

The survey will be part of a submission by the YWN to a study on zero-hour contracts being conducted by the University of Limerick.

Among its recommendations, the YWN is calling on Minister of State for Jobs and Employment, Ged Nash, to increase the notice period for rosters to at least a week and to protect employees from penalisation, in the form of having their hours cut, when they stand up for their rights including organising in a trade union.
Aer Lingus assurances concerning proposed takeover are inadequate
 
aerlingus

A proposal received from the management of Aer Lingus in relation to the guaranteeing of workers’ terms and conditions of employment in the event of a takeover by IAG  does not adequately deal with their concerns.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Owen Reidy, said: “The union received a response from Aer Lingus Chief Executive, Stephen Kavanagh, to our request that the company enters into a legally binding agreement that would protect workers conditions of employment and jobs in the event of an IAG takeover of the airline.  


A proposal received from the management of Aer Lingus in relation to the guaranteeing of workers’ terms and conditions of employment in the event of a takeover by IAG does not adequately deal with their concerns.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Owen Reidy, said: “The union received a response from Aer Lingus Chief Executive, Stephen Kavanagh, to our request that the company enters into a legally binding agreement that would protect workers conditions of employment and jobs in the event of an IAG takeover of the airline.

“Unfortunately, although the response does indicate some movement by management, overall it is too vague and conditional to form a sound basis for discussions on the issues of concern.”

He added: “Our members in Aer Lingus are seeking the protection of a Registered Employment Agreement, or a similar legally binding commitment, in relation to their terms and conditions of employment. The response from management in relation to this request does not go far enough and in key respects is ambiguous.

“The SIPTU position is that unless the company can provide robust guarantees in relation to the areas of concern to our members the Government should not even consider selling its share in the airline.”

 

Water: Public resource or private commodity?

Global Action Day

Belfast GAA club in Industrial Tribunal over failure to pay redundancy

A SIPTU member’s claim against Ard Eoin Kickhams GAC for failure to pay her statutory redundancy entitlements will be heard by the Industrial Tribunal in Belfast on Friday, 17th April.


The case involves the Belfast GAA club’s former bar manager, Cathy McMahon, who was employed for 25 years until her post was declared redundant on 23rd October 2014.  


A SIPTU member’s claim against Ard Eoin Kickhams GAC for failure to pay her statutory redundancy entitlements will be heard by the Industrial Tribunal in Belfast on Friday, 17th April.

The case involves the Belfast GAA club’s former bar manager, Cathy McMahon, who was employed for 25 years until her post was declared redundant on 23rd October 2014.

Despite attempts by SIPTU to negotiate with the management of Ard Eoin Kickhams GAC, it has refused to enter into any discussions. As part of the attempts to bring this situation to a satisfactory conclusion SIPTU has written to the GAA President, Aogan O'Fearghail. Apart from a holding email no further communications have been received to this letter.

Cathy McMahon said: “I worked my notice and it was a severe blow when I was told there would be a delay in receiving my redundancy payment. It is now six months since I was made redundant and nothing has been forthcoming.”

Cuba and US presidents hold historic talks

An historic press conference between Presidents Raúl Castro and Barack Obama took place on Saturday, 11th April during the Summit of the Americas in Panama. It marked the first meeting between a president of Cuba and the US for more than 50 years, and Cuba’s first ever attendance.


Historic handshake between Raúl Castro and Barack Obama

HISTÓRICO: Encuentro entre Raúl Castro y Barack Obama

 


An historic press conference between Presidents Raúl Castro and Barack Obama took place on Saturday, 11th April during the Summit of the Americas in Panama. It marked the first meeting between a president of Cuba and the US for more than 50 years, and Cuba’s first ever attendance.

Addressing the Summit, Castro called for an end to the US blockade against his country which he said harmed his people and was a “violation of international law.”

In his 49 minute speech – which he joked was because Cuba had been excluded from six previous Summits, therefore deserved six times the recommended length – he summarised the history of US attacks on Cuba, but praised President Obama for vowing to end the blockade who he said was not to blame for the US legacy. “While the blockade exists ... we have to keep fighting and support President Obama in his intentions to end the blockade,” he said.

The two presidents also met for an hour outside the Summit and took part in a press conference during which Obama told the world’s media: "This shift in US policy represents a turning point for our entire region,” adding, “I can say with all sincerity that the essence of my policy is that the people of Cuba can live in freedom and security where their talents and ingenuity can thrive.”

”We are willing to discuss everything, but we need to be patient, very patient,” said President Castro in response. “We might disagree on something today on which we could agree tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, the official Civil Society Forums running parallel to the main Summit were marred by accusations that the US was paying for ‘dissidents’ with no following in Cuba to represent Cuban civil society in meetings.

Read more here.

Cuba Dublin Festival

Cuban Film Festival

Call for clinical review of new psychiatric unit on CUH campus

A full clinical review by an agreed independent expert to examine proposals for the operation of a new psychiatric unit on the campus of Cork University Hospital, Cork City, has been demanded by SIPTU.  


A full clinical review by an agreed independent expert to examine proposals for the operation of a new psychiatric unit on the campus of Cork University Hospital, Cork City, has been demanded by SIPTU.

 “This review should be conducted as a matter of extreme urgency in order to allay concerns that the public may have about the standard of care for vulnerable patients which will be provided in this unit,” said SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell.

“We believe that the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, should embrace this suggestion in an effort to ensure that this badly needed unit is opened without further delay,” he added. 

Support for re-opening of Lagan Brick production plant

Management at the Lagan Brick plant in Drumgill, Kingscourt, county Cavan, signed a pre-production agreement with SIPTU on Wednesday, 25th March, in advance of the re-opening of the facility.  


Management at the Lagan Brick plant in Drumgill, Kingscourt, county Cavan, signed a pre-production agreement with SIPTU on Wednesday, 25th March, in advance of the re-opening of the facility. 

SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: “The resumption of brick production at this plant will create a number of opportunities for the re-employment of workers who previously worked at the facility as well as new employment opportunities. We are pleased to have concluded a pre-production deal with the company which will ensure that workers will benefit from decent terms and conditions in the workplace.

He added: “The company must also be commended for providing its former employees with training opportunities in accordance with an agreement that was concluded with SIPTU following a period of dispute when the facility closed in December 2011."

May Day 2015

Irish Equity supports call for halt to cuts in Northern Ireland cultural sector

Irish Equity passed a motion at its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, 29th March, calling for a moratorium on proposed cuts to the funding of the cultural sector in Northern Ireland.


The motion also sent “solidarity and support” to the members of Equity Northern Ireland who are “opposing these dreadful cuts to the arts, particularly to theatre, now being proposed.”  


Irish Equity passed a motion at its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, 29th March, calling for a moratorium on proposed cuts to the funding of the cultural sector in Northern Ireland.

The motion also sent “solidarity and support” to the members of Equity Northern Ireland who are “opposing these dreadful cuts to the arts, particularly to theatre, now being proposed.”

SIPTU Arts and Culture Sector Organiser, Karan O’Loughlin, said: “In light of this threat to the all-island cultural sector, Irish Equity is supporting the call of our colleagues in Equity Northern Ireland for the members of the Northern Ireland Assembly to intervene before the funding reductions are implemented and establish a moratorium, to allow a longer term examination of the impact of these cuts."

Irish Equity is part of SIPTU and represents actors, theatre directors, stage and set designers.

Retained fire-fighters commit to industrial action if unsafe changes imposed

SIPTU members in the Retained Fire Services have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action, including strike action, in a dispute related to attempts to decrease fire appliance crewing levels, at ballots counted on Friday, 20th March.


SIPTU members in the Retained Fire Services have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action, including strike action, in a dispute related to attempts to decrease fire appliance crewing levels, at ballots counted on Friday, 20th March.

SIPTU National Retained Fire-fighter Organiser, Con Casey, said: “Our members have voted resoundingly to oppose any attempt to unilaterally implement cuts to crewing levels or other changes to national agreements, which they believe will endanger firefighters and the public.

“The vote in favour of industrial action was 97%, while the vote for strike action was over 95%, with a turnout of over 80%. It is clear that our members will not accept this attempt by the Department of Environment to push through reductions in fire-fighter crewing levels which could jeopardise the health and safety of the public who rely on this critical emergency service.”

SIPTU represents over 1700 of the 2000 retained fire-fighters employed by local authorities across the country. SIPTU members in the full-time fire service are also balloting on industrial action in a disputed concerning the same issue, this ballot result will be announced next month. 

Yes to Equality

Support for Pfizer decision not to close Little Island plant

The decision of Pfizer to continue production at its Little Island plant, county Cork, and provide continued job security for up to 160 workers has been supported by SIPTU members.


Staff at the facility were informed during March that the pharmaceutical manufacturer had reversed its decision to close the plant. Its closure had initially been announced in May 2013, with production scheduled to cease in September 2014. This closure date had been extended to the autumn 2015 before the decision was finally reversed.  


The decision of Pfizer to continue production at its Little Island plant, county Cork, and provide continued job security for up to 160 workers has been supported by SIPTU members.

Staff at the facility were informed during March that the pharmaceutical manufacturer had reversed its decision to close the plant. Its closure had initially been announced in May 2013, with production scheduled to cease in September 2014. This closure date had been extended to the autumn 2015 before the decision was finally reversed.

SIPTU Organiser Paul Depuis said: “Pfizer has determined that it is important to continue manufacturing the product, Atorvastatin, in Little Island. Management has acknowledged that staff at the Little Island site have continued to demonstrate the highest levels of performance, flexibility and commitment.

“Credit is due to the SIPTU members and shop stewards at the plant for the commitment they have shown over the past two years. They have built a reputation for the facility through consistent performance levels and this was a key factor in reversing the Pfizer decision to close the plant.”

Additional funding for patient care at University Hospital Galway

Industrial action at University Hospital Galway (UHG) has been deferred pending implementation of an agreement for the facility to secure additional nurses and support staff cover.


SIPTU Organiser Mark Lohan said: “This decision, following Labour Relations Commission facilitated talks between union representatives and the hospital management, vindicates our position that having so many patients on trolleys, both in the Emergency Department and on the wards, is totally unacceptable.  


Industrial action at University Hospital Galway (UHG) has been deferred pending implementation of an agreement for the facility to secure additional nurses and support staff cover.

SIPTU Organiser Mark Lohan said: “This decision, following Labour Relations Commission facilitated talks between union representatives and the hospital management, vindicates our position that having so many patients on trolleys, both in the Emergency Department and on the wards, is totally unacceptable.

He added: “The Emergency Department is still under significant pressure but in taking this stand, and getting this commitment from management, SIPTU members in UHG have played a vital role in protecting patient safety for all the residents of the west of Ireland that need to use our public hospital.”

SIPTU UHG shop steward, Ann Burke, said: “SIPTU members have got this result because they made the collective decision to stand up for patients.  

"We had the courage to take a stand for what we knew to be right and have now been successful in improving our workplace and protecting our patients."

New Activists training in the Community Sector

A new initiative in the training of activists in the Community Sector has been rolled out. The first group involved in this new strategic development participated in the first stage of their training at SIPTU College from 31st March to 2nd April.


The above activists represented a wide and diverse group of employments in the Community Sector and include the Irish Wheelchair Association, Blanchardstown 2001 Job Initiative, Adapt Community Drugs, Limerick Community Development Project, Westmeath Community Project, Longford Community Resources, Donegal Travellers Project, Athlone Y.E.W. Ltd and North Tipperary Leader Partnership.


A new initiative in the training of activists in the Community Sector has been rolled out. The first group involved in this new strategic development participated in the first stage of their training at SIPTU College from 31st March to 2nd April.

The activists represented a wide and diverse group of employments in the Community Sector and include the Irish Wheelchair Association, Blanchardstown 2001 Job Initiative, Adapt Community Drugs, Limerick Community Development Project, Westmeath Community Project, Longford Community Resources, Donegal Travellers Project, Athlone Y.E.W. Ltd and North Tipperary Leader Partnership.

Speaking after the course, tutor Margaret de Courcey said: “This has been one of the most rewarding courses I have run in recent times. The participants were excellent in their approach to the training, their commitment to their role as workplace representatives and their strong desire to become more active within their Division and union as a whole. "The next step in their development is to put in place a three-day Negotiation Skills Training course which we have earmarked for the early part of the new academic year starting September 2015."

On the final day of the course, Community Sector Organiser, Darragh O'Connor, presented certificates and union badges to the group and spoke of his commitment to intensifying strategic activists’ training.

For further further information on activists training in this Sector please contact your Organiser.

Seminar for frontline services

Polish Cultural Night
SIPTU Polish Network hosted a Polish Cultural Night in Liberty Hall on Thursday (26th March) to mark Polska Eire 2015. Among those who addressed the event were Minister of State for New Communities, Culture and Equality, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, SIPTU National Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Ethel Buckley and Polish Ambassador, Ryszard Sarkowicz.


Dancers in traditional Polish costume at the event

SIPTU Polish Network hosted a Polish Cultural Night in Liberty Hall on Thursday (26th March) to mark Polska Eire 2015. Among those who addressed the event were Minister of State for New Communities, Culture and Equality, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, SIPTU National Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Ethel Buckley and Polish Ambassador, Ryszard Sarkowicz.


Dancers in traditional Polish costume at the event
Ecumenical service of remembrance for children killed in the Easter Rising, Dublin

At 11.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 5th May, St. Patrick’s Church, Ringsend, Dublin 4, will host an ecumenical service of remembrance and reclamation for approximately 40 children between the ages of two and sixteen who were killed during the Easter Rising of 1916. The service will be attended by President Michael D. Higgins. All welcome.

From History Ireland: Joe Duffy on the children killed in the Easter Rising. This includes the names and details of 30 children who were killed.


At 11.00 a.m. on Tuesday, 5th May, St. Patrick’s Church, Ringsend, Dublin 4, will host an ecumenical service of remembrance and reclamation for approximately 40 children between the ages of two and sixteen who were killed during the Easter Rising of 1916. The service will be attended by President Michael D. Higgins. All welcome.

From History Ireland: Joe Duffy on the children killed in the Easter Rising. This includes the names and details of 30 children who were killed.
LIBERTY VIEW
Low pay must top political agenda
 
LibertyHall

The on-going dispute at Dunnes Stores has highlighted the scandal of low pay and insecure employment in this country, which has the second highest number of low paid workers in the OECD.

Dunnes Stores has also the largest number of workers in any Irish company in receipt of family income supplements which represents a subsidy by the State to an employer who is clearly exploiting much of its workforce.

Many workers complain that the minimum 15 hour contracts they are forced to accept prevents them from obtaining bank or credit union loans and from securing rental accommodation or mortgages. They are also fighting for the right to union recognition in the company.

The situation is not unique to Ireland and on Wednesday (15th April) tens of thousands of workers protested against low pay and precarious work in the global ‘Fight for 15' ($15 per hour) campaign for a minimum wage in the fast food industry.


The on-going dispute at Dunnes Stores has highlighted the scandal of low pay and insecure employment in this country, which has the second highest number of low paid workers in the OECD.

Dunnes Stores has also the largest number of workers in any Irish company in receipt of family income supplements which represents a subsidy by the State to an employer who is clearly exploiting much of its workforce.

Many workers complain that the minimum 15 hour contracts they are forced to accept prevents them from obtaining bank or credit union loans and from securing rental accommodation or mortgages.

The situation is not unique to Ireland and on Wednesday (15th April) tens of thousands of workers protested against low pay and precarious work in the global ‘Fight for 15' ($15 per hour) campaign for a minimum wage in the fast food industry.

They were joined by low paid workers in the cleaning, catering, retail and hospitality sectors in many cities across the globe in a campaign that has made a major impact in the US in the year before a presidential election.

With a general election due here in less than 12 months, low pay and decent work must be placed at the top of the political agenda along with long awaited pay rises across the economy.

ECONOMY
Reducing inequality will not happen on its own – explicit policies are needed
 
Janine Berg
Janine Berg

For the past decades, in many countries of the world, the State has slowly retreated amidst the belief that by giving more space to market forces there would be greater economic growth and thus greater economic opportunities. This belief was manifest in the drive to liberalise goods and financial markets in the 1980s and 1990s across the world, and in the decreased investment by the public sector of many advanced economies in public services and goods as well as in redistributive policies.


For the past decades, in many countries of the world, the State has slowly retreated amidst the belief that by giving more space to market forces there would be greater economic growth and thus greater economic opportunities. This belief was manifest in the drive to liberalise goods and financial markets in the 1980s and 1990s across the world, and in the decreased investment by the public sector of many advanced economies in public services and goods as well as in redistributive policies. 

Not all countries instituted these changes as wholeheartedly as others, and not all countries originated from the same starting point, but the overall effect has been rising inequality in most parts of the world: North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. Latin American in the 2000s (though not in the 1980s and 1990s) stands as an exception, largely because many countries in the region increased public investment, strengthened minimum wages and instituted redistributive policies during this decade. 

Over the past few years, the increase in inequality has become a growing concern among policymakers and the public at large. But while the problem is now recognized, many of the policy solutions advanced are the same as those espoused during the onset of globalisation, namely improving workers’ skills so that they can better compete in the labour market.


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NERI Seminar: A Future Worth Working For

In a seminar on 8th April, NERI Director, Tom Healy, focused on setting the parameters for a clear, long-term vision for the Irish economy to emerge. The seminar is based on the NERI working paper - A Social Vision and an Economic Strategy for Ireland in the 21st Century- that argues this vision must be based on concrete goals that can be observed, measured and contrasted—as opposed to pious aspirations. The paper is not intended as a blueprint or model that is to be rolled out, but as a contribution to a debate on our economic future.


NERI Seminar: A Future Worth Working For


In a seminar on 8th April, NERI Director, Tom Healy, focused on setting the parameters for a clear, long-term vision for the Irish economy to emerge. The seminar is based on the NERI working paper - A Social Vision and an Economic Strategy for Ireland in the 21st Century - that argues this vision must be based on concrete goals that can be observed, measured and contrasted—as opposed to pious aspirations. The paper is not intended as a blueprint or model that is to be rolled out, but as a contribution to a debate on our economic future.

Over the course of the presentation, Dr. Healy reviewed the key economic and social challenges facing the island of Ireland in the coming three decades and suggests an overarching framework to better understand:

  • Why the cycle of bust and boom has not been abolished;
  • What options and choices are open to communities in each part of the island; and
  • How synergies on an all-island (Ireland) and cross-island (Ireland and Great Britain) basis be harnessed.

Read NERI Working Paper Series Here
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Young Workers Network

Seán Murray Marxist‐Leninist and Irish Socialist Republican by Seán Byers

The son of a small farmer Seán Murray – a brilliant student - had to leave school at 14 to work on his father’s farm. He became Commandant of the Antrim Battalion in the War of Independence and was captured by British forces in 1920. Following his release, he met Peadar O’Donnell for the first time in 1922 and they would become firm friends and comrades-in-arms during the Civil War. After the Civil War, he worked for a period in the London docks. When he came back to Ireland, he headed up the Irish Worker League which had been formed by Jim Larkin.  He was a student at the Lenin International School in Moscow from 1928 to 1931; and on his return he became organiser of the Irish Workers' Revolutionary Groups. In June 1933, he was elected General Secretary of the newly formed Communist Party of Ireland, a position he held until 1940. He would also play a significant role in organising the Irish contingent of the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War.  Murray remained the Irish Communist Party’s national organiser from then until his death at the age of 63 in 1961.

A man of great intellect, he was also a prolific journalist, editor and pamphleteer.  Byers biography shows how in the face of adversity – the coercive measures of the Unionist state and red scare tactics of Catholic Ireland – Murray left a significant imprint on Irish leftist politics through his work as an activist and organiser, a prolific writer, propagandist and theorist.
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