The Irish Congress of Trade Unions Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC) was held in the Assembly Buildings, Belfast, from Tuesday (2nd July), to Thursday, (4th, July).
Over 700 delegates and observers attended the conference whose theme was Decent Work, Better Future. The motions debated dealt with a wide range of issues including the economic crisis, the reform of trade union structures, workplace rights and equality.
Delegates passed motions on the economic crisis that called for “an end to the failed deflationary policies which for five years have depressed domestic demand and prevented growth”, and one demanding the introduction of a sustained programme of investment to create jobs.
Other motions passed included one on the restructuring of the trade union movement across the island and the necessity for Ireland to meet its international legal and human rights obligations by honouring the Government commitment on trade union rights and the right to collective bargaining.
At the conference, Congress General Secretary, David Begg, said he would be stepping down before the next biennial conference.
He said in the interim he had three objectives: the introduction of new rights for collective bargaining, the development of a new constitution for the trade union movement and the drawing up of a new economic plan for the country in association with the Nevin Economic Research Institute.
Incoming Congress President John Douglas told delegates it was critical that the union movement reorganises its structure and makes a political impact if it is to achieve its aims.
Addressing the conference Douglas said: “I am sick of politicians north and south pandering and tipping the forelock to multinational abuse of the tax regime, while the same politicians cut services to the most vulnerable and criminalise ordinary workers who can’t pay service charges.
“The present crisis presents the trade union movement not only with challenges but with a great opportunity. We are still the biggest civil society organisation in Ireland; our challenge is to build on our strengths, refine our structures and to mobilise with a unity of purpose.”