At its January meeting the SIPTU National Executive Committee called on union members to vote ‘Yes’ in the forthcoming referendum on Marriage Equality.

Following the decision, SIPTU Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Ethel Buckley, said: "As trade unionists we don't tolerate discrimination in the workplace. Neither should we tolerate discrimination in society as a whole.

"In a real Republic based on equal citizenship, civil marriage should be open to all citizens. By voting ‘Yes’, SIPTU members will be according same sex couples the right to equality.”