In this issue:
Politicians back trade unions call for referendum on water services
Larkin Anniversary Lecture
WRC talks concerning LUAS dispute
SIPTU DART drivers to ballot for industrial action
Launch of ONE Cork trade union project
Two days of talks on future of C&C workers in Tipperary
Ballot for industrial action in St. James’s Hospital car park dispute
Friends shock at sudden death of popular SIPTU figure
Legal review and City Council protection scheme welcomed by Clerys workers
Fighting to Save Ireland’s Only Oil Refinery
SIPTU Construction Sector calls for talks on future of Moore Street
Workers Republic
Condemnation of cut in funding to disability services
Dismay at number of work-related fatalities during 2015
Labour Party launches workers’ charter
Evelyn McGuinness retires from SIPTU
Basic English celebrates its 25th Anniversary
Alicia Brady Commemoration
Tara Mines - FETAC Certificates
Meath District Council
Reclaim the Vision of 1916 – the Citizens' Initiative International Poetry Competition
SIPTU Pocket Diary 2016
Fairphone
Thinking aloud about Brexit
The Secret Meeting
European Campaign for Fair Transport
Hands off public water
Tackling long-term unemployment – Can EU recommendation help?
EU to review Written Statement Directive
FREE Online Course for Trade Unionists
Supporting Quality
JLT Home Insurance
One Direct - Car Insurance
Travel Insurance
Taxback
Young Workers Network
SIPTU Basic English Scheme
Larkin Credit Union
Fair Hotel
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Fighting to Save Ireland’s Only Oil Refinery
The workers at Phillips 66 have re-doubled their efforts to ensure that oil refining continues at Ireland’s only oil refinery in Whitegate, Co Cork. The oil refinery was originally a state owned facility but was sold to private interests in 2001. Since then it has been through a number of different owners. Currently, it is operated under license from the state by Phillips 66 (a large US owned oil corporation) until July 2016.

The current owners have now put the refinery up for sale as a going concern. SIPTU members are supporting local activists in lobbying the Government to ensure that the facility in Whitegate continues to operate as an oil refinery.

Ireland needs an oil refinery obviously for oil security purposes but also because it brings competition to the market in Ireland thereby putting downward pressure on petrol prices at the pump. The oil refinery also has the capacity to contribute to Ireland’s obligation to reduce CO2 emissions by refining animal tallow (fat) into bio-diesel. Recent trials have proven very successful at the refinery. The oil refinery is also crucial to the future success of the Irish oil industry. It is increasingly likely that viable oil wells will be brought into operation in Irish waters. It is critical that the state supports and invests in this asset to ensure that the Irish oil industry delivers a maximum return to the state.

Finbarr O’Connell, SIPTU shop steward at Phillips 66, spoke at the SIPTU biennial conference in Cork in October last, where the conference adopted unanimously a motion calling on the Government to ensure that refining continues at Whitegate Refinery. "SIPTU member are working with local activists in lobbying the Government and politicians across the political spectrum to ensure a future for Whitegate Oil Refinery."  

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