Supporting Quality, the SIPTU supported consumer campaign aimed at protecting jobs in Ireland and supporting quality Irish products, marked a successful first year in operation with an event in the Heineken (Murphy’s) Brewery in Cork on Tuesday, (30th July). Those addressing the event included Lord Mayor of Cork, Catherine Clancy, and SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage SIPTU’s 200,000 members, their families and consumers in general, to consider the wider economic and social impact of their shopping choices.

Catherine Clancy welcomed the success of Supporting Quality campaign saying that it indicated the ability of trade unions to adapt and play an innovative role in supporting economic recovery.

The campaign grants products and services which are produced in unionised workplaces in Ireland the right to indicate this with a Supporting Quality mark and their inclusion on the Supporting Quality website and associated advertising.

Among over 60 leading Irish brands signed up to the campaign are Heineken, Avonmore, Electric Ireland, Tayto, Coca Cola, Batchelors, Ballygowan, Tegral Tiles, Erin and Newbridge Silverware.  

Joe O’Flynn said: “Indigenous manufacturing will be central to the country’s economic recovery and the Supporting Quality campaign allows consumers to play their part in helping the recovery by choosing quality products produced by companies which provide decent jobs.

He added: “Opting to support quality workplacescan mean the difference between survival and failure for many businesses in Ireland.  Joining the Supporting Quality campaign sustains existing quality jobs in Ireland and allows consumers to play their part in reviving the Irish domestic economy.”