In this issue:
Hundreds attend National Demonstration on the Housing and Homeless crisis
Academic staff in DCU concerned by workload and precarious jobs
Dreaming of Bethlehem
Palestinian flag raised at Liberty Hall
Catering group Aramark should respect its workers
Crown Paints Ireland asked to halt plant closure
Workers Republic
Independent expert to examine CIE pension scheme
Guidelines for workers in the Home Care Sector
Disability workers start ‘Stronger Together’ campaign
SIPTU disappointment at planned closure of SuperValu stores in Clonmel and Carlow town
Support Staff conduct two-hour work stoppage in Portiuncula Hospital
Climate change protest
EU fund providing opportunities for former airplane maintenance workers
Certificate in Trade Union Studies Awards Ceremony
Edenderry Power Ltd refuse to attend Labour Court
Call for publication of HSE National Ambulance Review
More Health Care Assistants needed to alleviate hospital crisis
SIPTU offers condolences and calls for solidarity in response to Paris attacks
A union stalwart: Dick Duff
TASC research confirms growing exploitation in the hospitality sector
1916 Commemorative Medal Set
Signed Limited Edition Print of James Connolly by Jim Fitzpatrick
Fair Shop
Reclaim the Vision of 1916 App
Tackling Ireland’s housing crisis
UK Trade Union Bill: Latest in line of global attacks on right to strike
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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A union stalwart: Dick Duff

By SIPTU General Secretary Joe O’Flynn

Speaking at the graveside for the burial of former NEC member, Dick Duff on Wednesday 25th November, General Secretary Joe O'Flynn said: Dick was active for over fifty years serving the ITGWU, subsequently SIPTU, in virtually every voluntary capacity. From his time as a young boy working in Beamish and Crawford he was imbued with the desire to improve the position of his fellow workers and their families through his union activity.  He served at section level within the brewery and from there became active in the Cork No 2 Branch in 1963, later serving as Branch president.

Dick was very supportive but tenacious, challenging everything that he was uncomfortable with until he was satisfied that it was in the best interest of the members. At local level he was active on the Cork District Council and the Cork Council of Trade Unions. On retirement he became active in the Retired Members Section at local, regional and national levels.

He fervently believed in the principle of an egalitarian society where justice and fairness prevailed for all.  It was therefore the ultimate accolade for Dick when he was successfully elected to the National Executive Council of the ITGWU in 1984. He was enormously influential and commanded great respect. He served on the NEC of the ITGWU and later SIPTU for twenty years.

Dick’s industrial and union work was complemented by his activity at political level in the Labour Party. He was enormously loyal to the union, and while often critical internally, he would never allow a bad word to be said by anyone from the outside. Dick inspired many shop stewards to progress in the Union and was central to many staff being appointed to senior positions when he served as a member of the Staff Recruitment Sub-committee.

On behalf of my fellow Officers Jack O’Connor and Gene Mealy, the National Executive Council, his many colleagues, friends and members of the union, I want to express our deepest sympathy to Dick’s wife Norma, his daughter Lilian and sons, Paul, Kieran, Brian, and Richard, daughters-in-law, Claire, Gillian and Miriam, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

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