FEATURES
REAs probably protected by Industrial Relations Act 2012
The constitutional status of the Registered Employment Agreement (REA) structure, which legally protects the pay rates and conditions of employment of tens of thousands of workers throughout Ireland, is probably protected by legislation passed by the Government last year, according to SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor.

This is despite a Supreme Court judgement, delivered today (Thursday, 9th May), declaring REAs constituted under the Industrial Relations Act 1946 as unconstitutional.

In an initial reaction to the Supreme Court judgement, Jack O’Connor, said: “On an initial reading it does appear that the actual case that was the subject of the judgement has been overtaken by events.

The constitutional status of the Registered Employment Agreement (REA) structure, which legally protects the pay rates and conditions of employment of tens of thousands of workers throughout Ireland, is probably protected by legislation passed by the Government last year, according to SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor.

This is despite a Supreme Court judgement, delivered today (Thursday, 9th May), declaring REAs constituted under the Industrial Relations Act 1946 as unconstitutional.

In an initial reaction to the Supreme Court judgement, Jack O’Connor, said: “On an initial reading it does appear that the actual case that was the subject of the judgement has been overtaken by events.

“The Industrial Relations Act (Amendment) 2012, which the Labour Party in Government succeeded in getting passed by the Oireachtas, does appear to address the issues that have been highlighted in today’s judgement. Whereas the provisions of the 1946 Act have been declared as unconstitutional, the judgement does appear to allow that the amendments contained in the 2012 Act address these issues and so renders the new REA structure as being constitutionally compliant.”

Jack O’Connor added: “Only last year the Oireachtas legislated to preserve the infrastructure of the REAs and what is clear is that this Supreme Court judgement does not strike down the 2012 Act. It also appears from the wording of the judgement that the Supreme Court is allowing, without scrutinising the issues because they were not before them, that the 2012 Act is constitutionally compliant.”
NEWS
Ballot on industrial action in Bus Éireann

SIPTU members in Bus Éireann this week began voting on industrial action in response to a threat by management to impose unilateral changes to the pay and conditions of workers.

The ballot will be concluded with a count of the votes in Liberty Hall on Thursday, 16th May.


SIPTU members in Bus Éireann this week began voting on industrial action in response to a threat by management to impose unilateral changes to the pay and conditions of workers.

The ballot will be concluded with a count of the votes in Liberty Hall on Thursday, 16th May.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Willie Noone, said: “Workers at Bus Éireann have been left with no option but to ballot on industrial action up to and including strike action. Staff in Bus Éireann are furious at the company's announcement that it is pressing ahead with cutbacks, which had previously been rejected by workers.”

On Wednesday (30th April), management at the semi-state transport company announced that it intended to introduce reductions in overtime shift and premium payments, and reductions in leave without agreement with workers.

Industrial action at Bus Éireann by SIPTU members would include all drivers apart from those operating school bus services.

SIPTU manufacturing conference launches declaration on workplace innovation

A very successful conference on Workplace Innovation was held on the Tuesday (30th April) and Wednesday (1st May) at the Green Isle Hotel, Dublin.

The conference was jointly hosted by SIPTU’s Manufacturing Division and the IDEAS Institute. It included speakers and participants from government as well as trade unions and employers in the manufacturing sector.

 


A very successful conference on Workplace Innovation was held on the Tuesday (30th April) and Wednesday (1st May) at the Green Isle Hotel, Dublin.

The conference was jointly hosted by SIPTU’s Manufacturing Division and the IDEAS Institute. It included speakers and participants from government as well as trade unions and employers in the manufacturing sector.

Representatives from EUWIN, a European Commission initiative to promote workplace innovation, and Eurofound contributed to the conference. Sean Sherlock, Minister of State for Research and Innovation, Jack O’Connor, SIPTU General President, Martin Shanahan CEO of Forfás and Brendan McGinty of IBEC also addressed the two day event.

At the conference, the Manufacturing Division, IDEAS Institute and EUWIN launched the ‘Dublin Declaration’ on Workplace Innovation which was adopted by delegates.

Gerry McCormack, SIPTU Division Organiser said: “Workplace Innovation aims to improve workplace performance and working lives by stimulating positive organisational change through inclusive dialogue and by releasing the creativity of employees.  SIPTU will utilise Workplace Innovation as one method to help retain and ultimately increase employment in the manufacturing sector”.

Professor Peter Totterdill, Joint Chief Executive of UKWON Limited and EUWIN’s director for the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Flanders commented:

“The launch of the ‘Dublin Declaration’ and the establishment of a social partnership panel is an important element in the establishment of workplace innovation across Ireland and the European Union.

“We want to create a thriving, knowledge based community dedicated to raising awareness of Workplace Innovation and to demonstrate that it can play a major role in economic recovery. In particular, we are setting out to show employers across Europe that there are better ways of working based on practices that allow employees at every level to use and develop their knowledge, skills and experiences to the full.

“Workplace innovation should lie at the heart of mainstream policy platforms including innovation, productivity, labour market inclusion, equality and diversity, active ageing and health.  Trade unions, employer organisations and researchers also have a key role to play in raising awareness and sharing good practice.”

IDEAS Institute, General Manager Ron Kelly said: “The collaboration between the IDEAS Institute and the Manufacturing Division of SIPTU has allowed us to build a considerable level of knowledge and understanding of Workplace Innovation throughout Ireland and this knowledge will place us at the leading edge of this process into the future. 

“The excellent work of our colleague Tony Murphy, Workplace Innovation Engineer, is highly regarded by both workers and employers alike and the huge benefits derived from his work are visible in several manufacturing employments in Ireland”.

Agreement reached in Killarney Golf Club dispute
Workers at Killarney Golf Club, Co. Kerry, have voted to accept a new restructuring plan for the business and to defer planned strike action which had been scheduled to commence on Tuesday (7th May). Staff voted overwhelmingly to accept the proposals at a meeting on the evening of Wednesday (1st May). The restructuring plan will result in 21 job losses with workers receiving redundancy payments of four weeks' per year of service.


Golf club workers. Back Row (L- R): Susan Bowler, Dan Morris, SIPTU Organisers, Paula O'Loughlin and Denis Hynes Front Row: Patrick Fleming and Seán Moynihan (Photo: Seán Kelly)

Workers at Killarney Golf Club, Co. Kerry, have voted to accept a new restructuring plan for the business and to defer planned strike action which had been scheduled to commence on Tuesday (7th May). Staff voted overwhelmingly to accept the proposals at a meeting on Wednesday (1st May). The restructuring plan will result in 21 job losses with workers receiving redundancy payments of four weeks' per year of service.

SIPTU Organiser, Denis Hynes, said: “The new restructuring plan was agreed following negotiations between union representatives and management. For workers who have decided to accept redundancy the new restructuring plan provides for greatly improved payments than were initially offered by management. Proposed wage cuts and changes to working conditions for those workers remaining with the company have also been greatly reduced.”

He added: “The negotiation process which resulted in this agreement was difficult but the workers believe the outcome is good for them and the local economy which is heavily reliant on the maintenance of a high quality tourist industry.”
Strike action deferred at Shanganagh Waste Water Treatment Plant
Strike action by SIPTU members at Shanganagh Waste Water Treatment Plant, Co. Dublin, scheduled to commence on Tuesday (7th May), has been deferred until Tuesday, 21st May following the reinstatement of a worker dismissed for trade union activity.

Management and workers' representatives will meet at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) to discuss other outstanding issues at the facility which treats water for domestic and commercial purposes for 248,000 people living in Dublin and Wicklow.

Strike action by SIPTU members at Shanganagh Waste Water Treatment Plant, Co. Dublin, scheduled to commence on Tuesday (7th May), has been deferred until Tuesday, 21st May following the reinstatement of a worker dismissed for trade union activity.

Management and workers' representatives will meet at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) to discuss other outstanding issues at the facility which treats water for domestic and commercial purposes for 248,000 people living in Dublin and Wicklow.

SIPTU members at the plant had voted unanimously for strike action on Thursday (25th April). The ballot for strike action followed the failure of their employer, the agency ICDS Constructors Ltd, to recognise the right of the workers to be collectively represented by their trade union and the company’s failure to meaningfully engage at the LRC on 23rd April.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Martin Meere, said: “The workers are pleased that their terms for deferring strike action have been accepted. This dispute is essentially about the right of workers to collectively bargain through the union of their choice with their employer. A conclusion to this dispute requires meaningful engagement by all parties and it remains imperative that we make progress in the coming days.”

Shanganagh Waste Water Treatment Plant is run by SDD Shanganagh Water Treatment Ltd which is a joint venture between the Irish construction company, John Sisk & Son Ltd, and Spanish companies Dragados S.A. and Drace Medio-Ambiente.

SIPTU members are employed through the agency ICDS Contractors Ltd. SDD Shanganagh Water Treatment Ltd recruits, trains and directs all operations on site, and simply instructs ICDS to issue contracts and put the workers through the ICDS payroll.

Historic banners to the fore in Dublin May Day march
Historic trade union banners and the Fintan Lalor pipe band led over 1,500 people on a sunny evening May Day march through central Dublin on Wednesday (1st May).

Leading the SIPTU contingent, on the Dublin Council of Trade Unions (DCTU) organised event, were ten historic banners created for the ITGWU by Dublin banner artist Jer O’Leary. The banners feature images of trade union leaders including Jim Larkin and James Connolly as well as images of the 1913 Lockout.


ITGWU banners lead the Dublin May Day march (Photo: John Moran)

Historic trade union banners and the Fintan Lalor pipe band led over 1,500 people on a sunny evening May Day march through central Dublin on Wednesday (1st May).

Leading the SIPTU contingent, on the Dublin Council of Trade Unions (DCTU) organised event, were ten historic banners created for the ITGWU by Dublin banner artist Jer O’Leary. The banners feature images of trade union leaders including Jim Larkin and James Connolly as well as images of the 1913 Lockout.

Along with colourful trade union delegations were members of the community group the Spectacle of Defiance dressed in costumes of the 1913 period and a moving version of the famous Jim Larkin statue brought to life by Equal Ireland.

Also in attendance was a sizeable ‘Youth Bloc’ of young activists with placards declaring, “We’re not leaving” and “end the lockout of young people” highlighting the devastating impact of emigration on Irish society.

Addressing the marchers at a rally outside Liberty Hall, DCTU President Mick O’Reilly, said the trade union movement was facing an “economic, cultural and political war.”

He added: “May Day is about solidarity. Now, more than ever, the trade union movement needs to stand together in solidarity to protect the interests not just of our members, but of all those who are bearing the brunt of continued austerity policies.”

A number of young trade unionists including Paul Dillon (Unite Youth Committee), Aoife Campbell (Y Factor) and Edel McKinley (Coalition to Protect the Lowest Paid) also addressed the crowd.

SIPTU Dublin District Committee secretary, John Dunne, said; “This year’s march was a celebration of our trade union culture with the magnificent banners of SIPTU’s predecessor union, the ITGWU founded by Larkin and Connolly, on display.

“The theme of the march was 1913-2013 unfinished business. The ‘unfinished business’ includes legislation to ensure recognition of trade unions in all employments and negotiating rights for all members. It also refers to the creation of a fair and equal Ireland as envisaged by the founders of the trade union movement.”

May Day in Belfast

Around 2000 people took part in the May Day march in Belfast on Saturday, 4th May. Among the many colourful trade union delegations were SIPTU members carrying the Belfast silk banner, which is emblazoned with the portraits of ITGWU founder James Connolly and United Irishman Jemmy Hope.


Around 2000 people took part in the May Day march in Belfast on Saturday, 4th May. Among the many colourful trade union delegations were SIPTU members carrying the Belfast silk banner, which is emblazoned with the portraits of ITGWU founder James Connolly and United Irishman Jemmy Hope.
Congress says time to abandon failed austerity and build a fair recovery
Congress General Secretary David Begg said on Wednesday (1st May) that the gains of Social Europe for working people were being dramatically eroded and undermined by synchronised austerity across the European Union.

“The citizens of Ireland and the citizens of Europe know full well that mass unemployment and widespread misery are no basis for recovery, let alone the building of a decent society and a better future for all,” he said.

Congress General Secretary David Begg said on Wednesday (1st May) that the gains of Social Europe for working people were being dramatically eroded and undermined by synchronised austerity across the European Union.

“The citizens of Ireland and the citizens of Europe know full well that mass unemployment and widespread misery are no basis for recovery, let alone the building of a decent society and a better future for all,” he said.

“Here at home, Congress is calling for a major shift in policy with the creation of jobs and stimulating growth becoming the focal points for government. We need to urgently begin the process of rebuilding and recovery – and that will not happen by following policy prescriptions that even the head of the European Commission concedes have gone too far,” Begg concluded.

SIPTU calls for caution in regard to use of internships
The publication of an evaluation of the national internship programme, JobBridge, by Indecon consultants, on Wednesday (1st May), provides some positive indications of progression to paid employment but improvements are required to prevent exploitation and job displacement, according to SIPTU Policy Researcher, Loraine Mulligan.

The report states that by November 2012, 7,058 participants had completed an internship while a total of 12,560 had commenced since the scheme’s launch in June 2011.

The publication of an evaluation of the national internship programme, JobBridge, by Indecon consultants, on Wednesday (1st May), provides some positive indications of progression to paid employment but improvements are required to prevent exploitation and job displacement, according to SIPTU Policy Researcher, Loraine Mulligan.

The report states that by November 2012, 7,058 participants had completed an internship while a total of 12,560 had commenced since the scheme’s launch in June 2011.

Based on survey information, Indecon estimates that 61.4% of participants currently have a job, five months after partaking in an internship under the scheme. However, only 45.2% have full-time permanent employment.  Of these 25.7% were employed in the host organisation; 12.4% had a job in the same sector while 23.3% had a job in another sector.

SIPTU Policy Researcher, Loraine Mulligan, said: “This raises questions about the risk of interns being used merely as cheap labour by some employers who offer no job prospects but can avoid employing or paying a staff member at the industry-rate.  It is welcome that one of the report’s recommendations suggests that host organisations should have the option of directly paying the intern rather than relying on the current social welfare plus €50 top-up payment.  However, extending the duration of an internship to two years is unwarranted.  Young workers have a legitimate expectation of regular employment, especially after obtaining work-experience, rather than having to struggle to get by on a lengthy internship.”

The report finds that a majority of participants are ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their experience and consider they gained useful skills.  However, 22.3% of interns who responded to the survey were either dissatisfied or ‘very dissatisfied’.  44.5% of those surveyed did not complete the full duration of JobBridge. While this occurred for 63% because they secured employment, almost one third left due to dissatisfaction with the placement.

Loraine Mulligan added: “Monitoring of the scheme should be strengthened. There is scope for abuse to slip through the cracks because the reporting mechanisms are relatively passive. This issue risks undermining the credibility of the scheme and requires attention, taking on board the concerns of trade unions. There is a broader problem of unpaid internships outside this scheme that are totally unregulated which must also urgently be addressed.”
Survey finds that 94% of young people do not want to emigrate
A survey of young people between the ages of 16 to 35 has found that 94% do not wish to leave Ireland to find work.The internet survey conducted by the Young Workers’ Network found that only 6% of respondents said their preferred option was to leave Ireland. Other major concerns for young people highlighted in the survey were ‘dead end’ jobs and youth unemployment.


Members of the Youth Bloc at the Dublin May Day march on Wednesday, 1st May.

A survey of young people between the ages of 16 to 35 has found that 94% do not wish to leave Ireland to find work.The internet survey conducted by the Young Workers’ Network found that only 6% of respondents said their preferred option was to leave Ireland. Other major concerns for young people highlighted in the survey were ‘dead end’ jobs and youth unemployment.

Nearly half of the over 350 respondents (49%) said their number one concern was youth unemployment, the other major issues being ‘forced emigration’ and ‘discrimination in the workplace and society’.

In the workplace respondents said young people’s major issues involved pay, 20% placing this as their most important issue from a list of 20 options, and a lack of career progression, highlighted as the primary issue by 16%.

Young Workers’ Network member, Catriona Finn, said: “The survey makes a mockery of claims by some in the political establishment that many young people want to live and work abroad.

“It’s clear from the results that the vast majority of young people in Ireland wish to make a career in this country but are greatly concerned about the nature of the employment that is on offer to them. When asked what concerned them most, temporary contracts, irregular working hours or lack of career progression a clear majority said the later, so-called ‘dead end’ jobs, was their main concern.”

The Young Workers’ Network is a new initiative supported by SIPTU that seeks to unite young workers to campaign on issues affecting them.

SIPTU Policy Researcher, Loraine Mulligan, said; “The survey contains a number of worrying results. The impact of work and social pressures is clearly being felt by many young people with over 10% rating ‘mental health issues’ as their top concern. It is of grave concern that about 10% consider bullying and harassment their primary issue while a similar percentage feel strongly that a lack of respect and recognition is the biggest problem they face in the workplace.”
SIPTU welcomes C&AG report on Skills Programme fund
SIPTU has welcomed the publication of the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) into the administration of the National Health and Local Authority Levy Fund (Fund). The report is consistent with the findings of an internal investigation into the operation of the HSE/Skills Programme and the Fund by the union’s Trustees in March 2011. It also reveals additional details which were not available to the Trustees prior to the completion of their report.

SIPTU has welcomed the publication of the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) into the administration of the National Health and Local Authority Levy Fund (Fund). The report is consistent with the findings of an internal investigation into the operation of the HSE/Skills Programme and the Fund by the union’s Trustees in March 2011. It also reveals additional details which were not available to the Trustees prior to the completion of their report.

SIPTU proposed that the C&AG investigate the Skills Programme and its funding on 26th January 2012 and has co-operated fully with its inquiry and provided it with all relevant information in the union’s possession. The union is satisfied that the C&AG with its statutory powers was the appropriate body to undertake this investigation and acknowledges its professionalism in securing and presenting all the relevant facts.

The report has highlighted a number of foreign trips organised by the administrator of the Fund, details of which were not made available to the SIPTU Trustees in advance of their report in 2011. When details of these financial transactions and trips emerged, in February 2012, as the result of new information provided by the bank in which the Fund was held, they were immediately forwarded by SIPTU to the office of the C&AG.

The union accepts the finding of the C&AG inspector that foreign travel arrangements paid for by the fund were, as the report states, “inappropriate as they bypassed internal controls over the charging of, and accountability for, foreign travel incurred by public employees.”

In its report, the C&AG found that approval for the Fund was never sought from the national officers of SIPTU or from the National Executive Council of the union. The C&AG report has also confirmed the finding of the SIPTU Trustees that the monies in the fund were not processed through the union’s accounting system.

The union accepts the findings of the C&AG inspector that there was a failure of corporate governance on the part of the agencies which contributed to the fund including the Department of Health, the HSE and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Clearly, the absence of a service level agreement between the State agencies and the Fund administrator was a significant factor in the lack of oversight of the public funds which were expended.

SIPTU acknowledges that there was also a lack of sufficient oversight within the union in relation to the administration of the Fund.  This has led to a change in the rules of the union and a complete review of its corporate governance structures to prevent any recurrence of such failure in the future.

SIPTU has requested to be given the opportunity to appear before the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee in order to further clarify the union’s position and to assist the Committee on matters that arise from the C&AG report.

Read the full report

Nash questions closure of National Ambulance Control Centre
Louth Labour TD Gerald Nash, has joined SIPTU in voicing concerns over plans to temporarily transfer the entire National Ambulance Control Centre into one building in Townsend Street, Dublin. Control centres across the country will start to close from 15th May and all emergency calls will be handled in Townsend Street.

Louth Labour TD Gerald Nash, has joined SIPTU in voicing concerns over plans to temporarily transfer the entire National Ambulance Control Centre into one building in Townsend Street, Dublin. Control centres across the country will start to close from 15th May and all emergency calls will be handled in Townsend Street.

“This move doesn't make any sense to me. The end plan is to have two state of the art control centres to serve the entire country, one based in Donegal and one based in Tallaght. This solution has been agreed by everyone and follows international best practice. All transitions are difficult and have to be handled carefully especially with a service as critical as this one. To add in another temporary change just does not make any practical sense. It won't save money. If anything it will cost more money and may introduce additional risks.

"My understanding also is that the building in Townsend Street is simply not capable of facilitating the extra staff that will be needed to handle double the calls that the centre presently deals with. This looks like a decision signed off in haste with no real understanding of the on-the-ground consequences."

"I intend to raise this in the Dáil this week with the Minister and I hope that we can get a sensible and safe solution."

The Labour TD's comments follow SIPTU alerting the Minister for Health, James Reilly, the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) to its concerns over the proposed proposed transition arrangements.

SIPTU members in the ambulance centre in Townsend Street believe that the facility is not structurally fit to accommodate the transfer of emergency calls from the closed control centres.

SIPTU Sectoral Organiser, Kevin Figgis said: “We have written to the Minister for Health, the HSA and HIQA to alert them to the proposals as we are deeply concerned that there will be serious implications for patient safety. It was never envisaged that emergency calls from Cork, Kerry and Navan would be diverted to Townsend Street. The increase in staff required has also raised significant health and safety issues due to the lack of space for desks and emergency response equipment.”

He said that union representatives requested an independent health and safety audit of the facility to ensure that it will meet statutory requirements but that this had been rejected by ambulance management. Staff in Townsend Street will also be required to adapt to different IT systems as each base uses different technology for taking and dispatching emergency calls.

“The closures should have coincided with the opening of the new centre in Tallaght. Given the potentially serious implications for staff and the public, we are asking the Minister, the HSA and HIQA to intervene in this matter before it is too late,” Kevin Figgis said.

SIPTU welcomes ECJ court ruling in favour of Waterford Crystal workers

The National Executive Council of SIPTU has welcomed the ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that the State is in breach of its obligations to ensure that the former employees of Waterford Crystal receive sufficient accrued occupational pension entitlements following their employer’s insolvency.

The ECJ found that the State is in breach of its obligations under the terms of the EU Insolvency Directive to ensure that employees receive sufficient accrued occupational pension entitlements.


The National Executive Council of SIPTU has welcomed the ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that the State is in breach of its obligations to ensure that the former employees of Waterford Crystal receive sufficient accrued occupational pension entitlements following their employer’s insolvency.

The ECJ found that the State is in breach of its obligations under the terms of the EU Insolvency Directive to ensure that employees receive sufficient accrued occupational pension entitlements.
 
The NEC has also congratulated the workers of Waterford Crystal and their union, Unite, whose pursuit of their pension rights following the insolvency of the company in 2009, led to the ECJ judgement.
 
The court action, which was supported by SIPTU, was taken by the workers after the value of their occupational pensions collapsed in the wake of the insolvency.

“We in SIPTU are very glad to have been associated with the success of the Waterford Crystal workers and Unite which could have positive implications for many workers across the country who are covered by occupational pension schemes,” General President, Jack O’Connor, said.
 
“Indeed, it demonstrates the potential of collaboration between unions on issues of key importance to working people. We now call on the Government to waste no time and to act on this judgement immediately by taking steps to change the regulatory infrastructure governing defined benefit pensions so schemes are not forced to close or are diluted by reason of the current arrangements.
 
“The Government must also proceed to establish a mechanism to serve as a backstop for defined benefit pension schemes which are under threat,” he said.
James Connolly Bridge campaign petition

SIPTU supports the campaign to name the new bridge to span the Liffey at Marlborough Street, Dublin, the ‘James Connolly Memorial Bridge’. 

James Connolly was one of the most prominent leaders of the workers of Dublin during the 1913 Lockout and the 1916 Easter Rising in which he gave his life. During the 1913 Lockout, the workers of Dublin suffered unimaginable conditions to ensure a fairer and better life for all citizens. While this suffering was prolonged and many people played a pivotal role it was James Connolly who consistently showed a sense of leadership and inspired belief in the working people of Ireland.


SIPTU supports the campaign to name the new bridge to span the Liffey at Marlborough Street, Dublin, the ‘James Connolly Memorial Bridge’. 

James Connolly was one of the most prominent leaders of the workers of Dublin during the 1913 Lockout and the 1916 Easter Rising in which he gave his life. During the 1913 Lockout, the workers of Dublin suffered unimaginable conditions to ensure a fairer and better life for all citizens. While this suffering was prolonged and many people played a pivotal role it was James Connolly who consistently showed a sense of leadership and inspired belief in the working people of Ireland.

Although last century saw a number of memorials to James Connolly, now more than ever we need to be reminded of the hope and inspiration embodied in his life. Naming the new bridge the James Connolly Bridge will encourage the citizens of Dublin to take inspiration from the past, not only by remembering James Connolly’s role in those historic times for the labour movement and in the struggle for Irish independence, but also the courageous commitment of the thousands of people he led.

Please take a minute to sign the petition and ask others to do the same.

SIPTU welcomes auditing of Department of Education building projects
SIPTU has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn, that he is to introduce a system of random audits of school and Department of Education funded third level building projects, to verify pay and conditions compliance.

SIPTU Construction Sector Organiser, Martin Meere, said: “The introduction of a system of random audits to ensure that contractors are adhering to the Registered Employment Agreement (REA) for the construction industry follows discussions between the Department of Education and trade union representatives.

SIPTU has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn, that he is to introduce a system of random audits of school and Department of Education funded third level building projects, to verify pay and conditions compliance.

SIPTU Construction Sector Organiser, Martin Meere, said: “The introduction of a system of random audits to ensure that contractors are adhering to the Registered Employment Agreement (REA) for the construction industry follows discussions between the Department of Education and trade union representatives.

“All public works contracts include a clause specifying the payment of the appropriate REA rates, including pensions. Trade union organisers will fully co-operate with the Department appointed auditors in ensuring these contractual and legal obligations are met.

“Trade unions will also continue our own site visits and inspections to ensure that employers are in full compliance. This will help ensure that there is a level playing field for contractors bidding for public contracts by eliminating those operating in the black economy.”

SIPTU shop steward elected on to St. James Hospital Board
 

SIPTU member Paddy Dingle was elected on to the board of St. James's Hospital, Dublin, on Thursday (2nd May).

Out of the 498 workers who voted Paddy received 368 votes meaning he was elected on the first round in front of candidates from Impact and the Craft unions. He will now serve as non-clinical (support staff) worker representative on the 18-member board for a term of three to five years.


SIPTU member Paddy Dingle was elected on to the board of St. James's Hospital, Dublin, on Thursday (2nd May).

Out of the 498 workers who voted Paddy received 368 votes which saw him elected on the first round defeating candidates from Impact and the Craft unions. He will now serve as the non-clinical (support staff) worker representative on the 18-member board for a term of three to five years.

Paddy works as a healthcare attendant in the X-Ray Department and has served as a SIPTU Shop Steward in St. James for ten years, the last two as Chief Shop Steward. From Drimnagh, Paddy is well known in his local community as a boxing coach.

Paddy said: “I will be serving on the board during an important period for the hospital. St. James's will be the location of the new children’s hospital. The main issue I expect to be dealing with is the decanting of workers during the building phase, the threat of outsourcing and concerns such as car parking.”

Paddy added: “I would just like to thank all the SIPTU members and others who voted for me and say I’m looking forward to the challenge of representing them.”

SIPTU meets with Diamond Innovations management to discuss threatened job losses
SIPTU representatives met with the management of Diamond Innovations on Tuesday (23rd April) to discuss the announcement yesterday that it proposes to cease operations at its plant in Clonshaugh Business Park, Dublin 17, in September 2013.

SIPTU Organiser, Karl Byrne, said: “The announcement that Diamond Innovations is closing its Dublin plant is devastating news for the workers involved and their families. The plant has been in operation since 1981 and has benefited from a highly motivated and professional workforce.”

SIPTU representatives met with the management of Diamond Innovations on Tuesday (23rd April) to discuss the announcement yesterday that it proposes to cease operations at its plant in Clonshaugh Business Park, Dublin 17, in September 2013.

SIPTU Organiser, Karl Byrne, said: “The announcement that Diamond Innovations is closing its Dublin plant is devastating news for the workers involved and their families. The plant has been in operation since 1981 and has benefited from a highly motivated and professional workforce.”

He added: “SIPTU representatives will be entering into negotiations with management regarding possible future employment for workers facing the loss of their jobs. The negotiations will also focus on achieving a fair and reasonable redundancy package for our members.”

Forty of the approximately 80 people employed by Diamond Innovations in Dublin are SIPTU members.
MANDATE Trade Union

Derry May Day and the Factory Girls

SIPTU members and activists were among the hundreds who attended the Derry May Day march on Saturday (4th May). Among the groups also marching were “the Factory Girls” who campaign to see a completed public art piece erected in the city.

In January 2006 The Department of Social Development commissioned artist Louise Walsh to create a public art piece that would celebrate the shirt factory workers of Derry.  Seven years later the components of the work are languishing in an engineering yard, gathering rust.


The artwork loosely takes the form of a Victorian sewing machine, which the viewer can walk through, a massively rendered via a needle panel front-piece, with a wheel (measuring seven and a half meters wide) completing the other end. While a shirt element, portrayed primarily by a sculptural collar form, provides outdoor seating as an amenity.


SIPTU members and activists were among the hundreds who attended the Derry May Day march on Saturday (4th May). Among the groups also marching were “the Factory Girls” who campaign to see a completed public art piece erected in the city.

In January 2006 The Department of Social Development commissioned artist Louise Walsh to create a public art piece that would celebrate the shirt factory workers of Derry.  Seven years later the components of the work are languishing in an engineering yard, gathering rust.

This major commission with a budget of £100,000 was awarded after a two-stage competitive selection process.

The sculpture was largely completed six years ago with collaboration from many of the women who had worked in the factories. It was to be a major presence in the Waterside and clearly visible across the River Foyle.  However, before it could be installed in its site in the Waterside, the Roads Service (a unit within the Department for Regional Development) objected to its location, on the grounds that drivers might be distracted.

After much negotiation it was decided in 2009 that the location should be changed to Harbour Square behind the Guildhall. The artist re-envisaged much of the piece for this new setting.  However since 2010 diverse building projects have been given priority access to the area leaving no room for the erection of the shirt factory sculpture.

The final artwork loosely takes the form of a Victorian sewing machine, which the viewer can walk through, massively rendered via a needle panel front-piece, with a wheel (measuring seven and a half meters wide) completing the other end. While a shirt element, portrayed primarily by a sculptural collar form, provides outdoor seating as an amenity.

The huge wheel and needle panel gateway are intended to evoke the massive contribution of the predominantly female workforce that effectively built the City’s industrial and cultural profile.

The factory girls said: “The last six years has seen nothing but red tape from the DSD causing delays in getting the art work finished and installed.” They are calling on the DSD to rescue our sculpture, commissioned by the DSD to celebrate the Derry/Londonderry women shirt factory workers’ skills and contribution to the identity of this city. This iconic sculpture is the missing link for every family in the city to the culture we are celebrating this year and it needs to be here in pride of place, not lying ignored in an engineering yard.”

SIPTU Organiser, Martin O’Rourke, said: “SIPTU has a proud tradition of representing textile workers in the city, and join in the call for the erection of this monument to the thousands of women workers who toiled in the local factories to put bread on their family table.”

For more details and to sign the petition visit www.factorygirls.eu

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to meet with youth workers
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has agreed to meet with youth worker representatives to discuss the impact of budget cuts to vital youth services.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Darragh O’Connor, said: “The Minister has indicated she will meet with youth worker representatives. At this meeting we will be making clear to her that budget cuts to youth services are not only damaging to society but in the long run will cost more to the State than they save.”


Rialto Youth Project memberes protest outside the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Dublin, on Tuesday, 7th May.

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has agreed to meet with youth worker representatives to discuss the impact of budget cuts to vital youth services.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Darragh O’Connor, said: “The Minister has indicated she will meet with youth worker representatives. At this meeting we will be making clear to her that budget cuts to youth services are not only damaging to society but in the long run will cost more to the State than they save.”

The decision of the Minister to meet with youth worker representatives comes as an ongoing protest campaign seeks to highlight the adverse effects of cuts in youth services.

In their latest action, youth workers staged a symbolic funeral ceremony outside the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Mespil Road, Dublin 4, to highlight the impact of funding cuts on services for young people on Tuesday (7th May).

The protest saw the delivery to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs of a coffin full of letters from young people and their families who use the services of the Rialto Youth Project.
Youth projects in Dublin are funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs via the City of Dublin Youth Services Board (CDYSB). In April these youth projects were informed that their funding allocation for 2013 was being reduced by on average 10%.

SIPTU Youth Committee Vice Chairperson, Tina McVeigh, said: “Youth projects are at the coal face of breaking the cycle of deprivation and poverty. The cut of €1.3 million to Dublin youth projects will see disadvantaged communities struggle to support the welfare and development of young people. These cuts will only lead to increased child poverty, anti-social behaviour, substance abuse, crime, early school leaving and teenage pregnancy.”

A recent INDECON report commissioned by the National Youth Council of Ireland highlighted that every €1 invested in youth work projects ultimately results in savings to the State of €2.22.
Galway’s trade union heritage celebrated

Over 100 years of trade union activity in Galway was celebrated at an event in SIPTU House, Galway city, on Thursday (2nd May).

More than 60 activists drawn from 12 trade unions active in the city attended the event, which began with historian John Cunningham describing Galway’s own Lockout in 1912 and the general strike of 1913. Historian Mary Clancy then described the trade union and political activities of women during this period.


More than 60 trade union activists attended the celebration of Galways trade union heritage on Thursday, 2nd May (Photo: Diane Jackson)


Over 100 years of trade union activity in Galway was celebrated at an event in SIPTU House, Galway city, on Thursday (2nd May).

More than 60 activists drawn from 12 trade unions active in the city attended the event, which began with historian John Cunningham describing Galway’s own Lockout in 1912 and the general strike of 1913. Historian Mary Clancy then described the trade union and political activities of women during this period.

Elizabeth Walsh, who for many years was a SIPTU shop steward at NUI Galway told the story of her involvement in a strike for union recognition at University College Galway in 1976.  She was joined by Mary Cooke and Breege Carr both of whom also played a major role in that dispute.

Tish Gibbons from SIPTU’s Galway District Committee, chaired the event and also displayed union record books from the 1950s and photographs of union events in the 1960s and 1970s. 

She said, “It is important, particularly in these difficult times, to remind ourselves of the great achievements of those who went before us and who founded and maintained vibrant union branches in this city, dedicated to defending and representing working people”. 

SIPTU District Committee Secretary, Diane Jackson said, “It was a privilege for the SIPTU Galway District Committee to organise this very successful event. As we are reminded of our past heritage we are also aware that there is still much to be done, as we continue to organise for fairness at work and justice in society”.         

End Bangladesh's anti-union laws

Over 900 garment workers were killed and injured when an eight story building housing five textile factories collapsed on Wednesday (24th April).

Large structural cracks appeared in the Rana Plaza the day before and an evacuation order was given. The building and factory owners ignored the warning and insisted work continue hours before the building collapsed.



Over 900 garment workers were killed and injured when an eight story building housing five textile factories collapsed on Wednesday (24th April).

Large structural cracks appeared in the Rana Plaza the day before and an evacuation order was given. The building and factory owners ignored the warning and insisted work continue hours before the building collapsed.

This, the worst ever, industrial accident in Bangladesh comes only months after more than one hundred garment workers died in two factory fires.

Working for a minimum wage of US$38 per month, less than one percent of garment workers in Bangladesh are represented by a union.

The Labour Law leaves workers unable to join a union and fight for safe workplaces, improved working conditions and better wages.

IndustriALL Global Union and IndustriALL Bangladesh Council is calling on the government to take urgent action to guarantee freedom of association and improve building and fire safety and the minimum wage for the more than three million garment workers in Bangladesh.

Send your message supporting these demands to the Bangladesh Prime Minister and Minister for Labour and Employment today - click here.

Eric Lee
LabourStart
View of Dublin City from the top of Liberty Hall

View of Dublin City from the top of Liberty Hall (Photo: Matthieu Chardon)


View of Dublin City from the top of Liberty Hall (Photo: Matthieu Chardon)



LIBERTY VIEW
Caution needed over IBEC call to ease back on austerity
 
LibertyHall

The decision of the employers’ organisation, IBEC, to abandon the sinking ship of one-sided austerity should be welcomed. We agree with its call in its latest quarterly report to call for the alleviation of the tax burden on low and middle-income families alongside increased investment in job creation.

However, there must be concern that the IBEC call to ease back on tax measures in the forthcoming budget may be a Trojan horse for those lobbying the Government to abandon its commitment to abolish pension tax relief for high end contributors. It was agreed in Budget 2013 that this measure would be implemented in Budget 2014.

The ending of pension tax reliefs for high-end contributors would result in savings of at least €250 million that should be used to alleviate the tax burden on lower income earners.


The decision of the employers’ organisation, IBEC, to abandon the sinking ship of one-sided austerity should be welcomed. We agree with its call in its latest quarterly report to call for the alleviation of the tax burden on low and middle-income families alongside increased investment in job creation.

However, there must be concern that the IBEC call to ease back on tax measures in the forthcoming budget may be a Trojan horse for those lobbying the Government to abandon its commitment to abolish pension tax relief for high end contributors. It was agreed in Budget 2013 that this measure would be implemented in Budget 2014.

The ending of pension tax reliefs for high-end contributors would result in savings of at least €250 million that should be used to alleviate the tax burden on lower income earners.

While tax alleviation for those on incomes at the middle and lower end of the spectrum should form a key part of an economic stimulus package, which is now clearly essential, there is still plenty of potential to raise at least €1 billion by increasing the contribution of those with wealth or high earnings over the next two budgets.

ECONOMY
Global Labour Column
Italy from Recession to a new Socioeconomic Identity

By Paolo Borioni


The historical sources of the Italian crisis
The Italian economic crisis has global as well as domestic roots. As Italy depends on industrial exports, the country has been deeply affected by the global crisis, and even more so by the depressive results of the EU’s austerity measures. Mario Monti’stechnocratic government has also added to depressive austerity: the Italian internal market shows a negative growth, below -2% in 2013, adding to Italy’s need for exports.

By Paolo Borioni

The historical sources of the Italian crisis
The Italian economic crisis has global as well as domestic roots. As Italy depends on industrial exports, the country has been deeply affected by the global crisis, and even more so by the depressive results of the EU’s austerity measures. Mario Monti’stechnocratic government has also added to depressive austerity: the Italian internal market shows a negative growth, below -2% in 2013, adding to Italy’s need for exports.

Italy was one the fastest growing industrialised European countries between 1950 and 1990, performing better than Germany.3This was partly due to its newcomer identity characterised by low wages which helped competitiveness at the beginning ofthis period. The economic landscape was further marked by the presence of a few major enterprises (including Fiat, Pirelli, Olivetti) and big state-owned enterprises (Ansaldo-Breda, Fincantieri,Eni, Enel, etc.). Large companies provided long-term investment and innovation, facilitating the emergence of plenty of successful Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)4 in the so-called “third Italy”. The success of SMEs was founded on their embeddedness in a dynamic economy dominated by large firms, whose investment in research and technology also benefited SMEs.

SMEs provided the Italian system with the much praised “flexible specialisation”. They were a segment of mostly formal, but also “informal”, producers often connected to national or foreign large-scale manufacturing, and were able to adapt to rapidly changing global and national demand. Also, many of these SMEs grew bigger and smarter: 5000 of the most competitive ones eventually developed into something quite similar to the German Mittelstand. They are the reason why, even in the face of current economic hardships, the country manages to achieve a commercial surplus.

Nevertheless, many other SMEs have suffered the consequences of the past 30 years of economic policies affected by neoliberalism, financialisation, rigid and inflation-obsessed Euro parameters. Financialisation and globalisation convinced large enterprises like Fiat to withdraw long-term and innovative investment from Italy. Neoliberalism added to this process by discrediting the key task of public enterprises as providers of long sighted research and development, despite the evidence that companies such as Finmeccanica and Eni are an unquestionable exampleof innovation. Moreover, Euro parameters hampered EU internal demand and rendered devaluation impossible. Hence,the historical basic elements of long-term innovation and SMEs virtuous selection was weakened, and the “economic miracle” of1950-1990 vanished.

Neoliberalism, financialisation and wrong social incentives In the new century Italy remained largely an industrial country, refraining from the financialised short-term outlook and private indebtedness (the real source of the worldcrisis) popular in Spain and Anglo Saxon countries. But the Italian economy was nonetheless hit particularly badly by the crisis because of its significant weaknesses. On the one hand, it would have needed another couple of decades such as the “glorious” ones after WWII to get rid of its “newcomer” features, such as the excessive size of the informal labour market, low-wage labour, the average small size of firms and the tendency towards tax evasion as aremedy for competition/insufficient credit to investment. On the other hand, the effects of long-term innovation investment, implementation of labour rights plus higher employment rates in the southern regions of Mezzogiorno needed to be more thoroughly implemented.

If big and especially state owned companies had had theopportunity to play their role in research and development for longer, the results could have trickled down to a large portion of key SMEs, which would have rendered the economy as a whole stronger. This would have been crucial especially for the less developed south: the incentives to a non-newcomer type of competition and investment (strong and more thoroughly protected labour rights, or a less tolerant fiscal system) would have become a ubiquitousand solid reality.
News2
Action X Protest

James Connolly Memorial Lecture




Guest speaker: James Petras, Bartle Professor (Emeritus) of Sociology at Binghamton University, New York.
 
James Petras is a recognised expert on the politics of Latin America. In his talk he will address the global assault on workers’ rights and conditions, drawing especially on the experience of workers in Latin America, who suffered decades of “austerity” to pay off debts that did not belong to them. He will discuss how progressive changes are affecting the lives of tens of millions of working people in Latin America, and the lessons we can learn from this.
 
James Petras is the author of more than sixty books published in twenty-nine languages and has published more than two thousand articles in newspapers such as the New York Times, the Guardian (London), and Le Monde Diplomatique, and his commentary is widely carried on the internet.





Guest speaker: James Petras, Bartle Professor (Emeritus) of Sociology at Binghamton University, New York.
 
James Petras is a recognised expert on the politics of Latin America. In his talk he will address the global assault on workers’ rights and conditions, drawing especially on the experience of workers in Latin America, who suffered decades of “austerity” to pay off debts that did not belong to them. He will discuss how progressive changes are affecting the lives of tens of millions of working people in Latin America, and the lessons we can learn from this.
 
James Petras is the author of more than sixty books published in twenty-nine languages and has published more than two thousand articles in newspapers such as the New York Times, the Guardian (London), and Le Monde Diplomatique, and his commentary is widely carried on the internet.

Darkness into Light 5K Walk/Run



DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 5K EVENT

4.00 a.m. Saturday morning 11th May, 2013.

Join us for this symbolic event 20 VENUES NATIONWIDE

See dil.pieta.ie for more details or phone Dublin 01 6282111 or Limerick 061 484444




DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 5K EVENT

4.00 a.m. Saturday morning 11th May, 2013.

Join us for this symbolic event 20 VENUES NATIONWIDE

See dil.pieta.ie for more details or phone Dublin 01 6282111 or Limerick 061 484444

Fair Hotel

Book Sale in aid of Docklands Senior Provider Forum

Larkin Credit Union

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The James Plunkett Short Story Award


Supporting Quality Campaign!

SIPTU Basic English Scheme

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SIPTU Membership Services - Travel Insurance

MANDATE Trade Union


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