In this issue:
SIPTU calls on nurses and midwives to stand firm against NMBI fee demand
Focus on pay rises at Manufacturing conference
Organising for the Future
Privatisation biggest threat to public services
SIPTU calls on Government to defer water charges and hold a referendum on public ownership
SIPTU calls for compensation for beef plant workers for losses due to IFA blockades
Congress calls for restoration of wage-setting mechanisms in key sectors
SIPTU representatives to visit European Parliament to discuss LEADER alignment
Online print auction for the children of Gaza
SIPTU members to begin industrial action at Kerry Women’s Refuge
YesEquality Register to Vote Campaign launched
SIPTU calls for cancellation of planned cuts to anti-poverty programme in Dublin
Bord Gáis Irish Book Awards
Hospitality employers must enter JLC talks
The 80th Anniversary of the Republican Congress and its Relevance for Today
SIPTU welcomes beginning of the unwinding of FEMPI legislation
Larkin Lecture in Liberty Hall
Social Policy Conference 2014 - Tuesday 18th November
“Changing Landscapes: The Juridification of the Labour Court?”
Pay rises are top of the union’s agenda
Global Labour Column
TASC Annual Lecture
Achill Island International Brigade Commemorations
Raising expectations and raising hell - a discussion with US trade union activist and author, Jane McAlevy
Youth for Decent Work Awards 2015
Federica Mogherini urged to suspend EU-Israel Association Agreement by 309 human rights groups and unions
Young Workers Network
SIPTU Basic English Scheme
MDI Christmas Cards 2014
Fairshop
Supporting Quality campaign
Electric Ireland - now part of Supporting Quality
Larkin Credit Union
10% discount for SIPTU members from Taxback.com
Fair Hotel
Home Insurance from only €199*
Get up to 80% off* Car Insurance
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SIPTU members to begin industrial action at Kerry Women’s Refuge
SIPTU members in the Kerry Women’s Refuge and Support Services, based in Tralee, Co. Kerry, will begin industrial action on Tuesday, 18th November, in a dispute concerning a unilateral change to workers' shift patterns.The decision to commence industrial action at the facility follows a management decision to impose changes to workers’ shift patterns, without agreement, on Monday (3rd November). This move will result in an up to 50% reduction in work for out of hours support staff and severe consequential effects for other workers in the service.

SIPTU Community Sector Organiser, Eddie Mullins, said: “On Monday (3rd November) unilateral changes to our members' shift patterns at the refuge were imposed. One of the support team workers at the facility offered a revised roster for consideration by management. This revised roster has the support of SIPTU members but was rejected out of hand by the general manager of the facility.

“Unfortunately, this left SIPTU members at the refuge with no option but to commence industrial action. A ballot had been conducted early last month where members voted to take industrial action if management attempted to force through roster changes without agreement.

“The industrial action will commence on Tuesday, 18th November with SIPTU members withdrawing their labour and mounting a picket at the main entrance to the refuge from 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. This action will be repeated each subsequent Tuesday until this dispute is resolved.

“From 8.30 a.m. on 18th November, SIPTU members will also not carry out any duties previously performed by Community Employment participants which include maintenance, childcare, housekeeping, laundry, reception, donations and opening the playroom. During the period of the dispute SIPTU members will also refuse to co-operate with any fundraising for the facility”.

Eddie Mullins added: “Our members are dedicated and committed in their work within the refuge. However, they now feel mistreated by their employer and this goes against the very ethos of the refuge itself. SIPTU members are saddened by the approach taken by the Board of Directors in their handling of the situation and believe that it has breached its own standards in respect of its employees”.

Kerry Women’s Refuge operates as a non-profit organisation and is registered as a charity. It is run by a voluntary board of directors which employs one manager and seven full-time staff. The facility provides services to women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
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