Groups unite to call for creation of decent jobs
Participants in The Coalition to Protect the Lowest Paid were pictured in front of the statue of renowned trade union organiser, James Connolly, in Dublin on Wednesday (10th October), before meeting in Liberty Hall to discuss the central importance of decent jobs to economic recovery.
The campaigners, trade unionists and migrant worker activists are part of a broad-based coalition which has come together to defend the pay and conditions of thousands of the lowest paid workers in Ireland such as cleaners, hotel and restaurant workers, security guards, farm labourers and shop workers.
Participants in The Coalition to Protect the Lowest Paid were pictured in front of the statue of renowned trade union organiser, James Connolly, in Dublin on Wednesday (10th October), before meeting in Liberty Hall to discuss the central importance of decent jobs to economic recovery.
The campaigners, trade unionists and migrant worker activists are part of a broad-based coalition which has come together to defend the pay and conditions of thousands of the lowest paid workers in Ireland such as cleaners, hotel and restaurant workers, security guards, farm labourers and shop workers.
Mandate General Secretary, John Douglas, said: "Ireland’s unemployment crisis will not be solved with a ‘more jobs at any cost’ strategy. We need to look at the quality of jobs that are being created otherwise we will just increase the number of underemployed and working poor people. The clear message is that decent work with good wages and working hours is vital for a better future for all Irish people."
The Director of the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, Siobhan O’Donoghue, said: “The work that many migrant workers do, such as care work and service provision, plays an essential part in the economic and social development of this country. These workers need to be valued and have access to decent standards, protections and opportunities to progress.” Among the migrant workers attending the meeting was contract cleaner Ineta Kondrota, who is from Latvia.
She said: “It is important all workers are employed in jobs with decent wages and terms and conditions. If some workers are treated unfairly it means it is easier to treat all workers that way.”
SIPTU Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Ethel Buckley, said the emphasis must be on creating decent jobs which will allow workers to play their full part in revitalising the wider economy.
“Decent jobs mean that workers earn enough to play a full role in society. Their spending will help growth in other sectors of the economy resulting in general economic improvement. The creation of such a virtuous circle is only possible if Government places the creation of decent jobs for all workers at the centre of its policies. SIPTU has recently launched its own 12 point plan which outlines how such a worker led economic recovery can be brought about.”
The Coalition to Protect the Lowest Paid is made up of workers, trade unions and community organisations including SIPTU, Mandate, Communications Workers’ Union, UNITE, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, Poor Can’t Pay Campaign, Community Platform, the European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland, Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed and the National Women’s Council of Ireland.
|
 |
 |
|
SIPTU members call on Aer Lingus to engage in meaningful talks on pensions crisis
SIPTU members at Aer Lingus have reacted angrily to a claim by the company that employees may only receive 4% of their pension entitlements due to the distress of the Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme (IASS).
According to SIPTU Sector Organiser, Dermot O’Loughlin, union members are astounded at the ‘provocation and deliberate scare-mongering’ in the latest statement by Aer Lingus on the pensions dispute. The IASS, which covers staff in Aer Lingus and the Dublin Airport Authority, is crippled with a €750 million deficit.
SIPTU members at Aer Lingus have reacted angrily to a claim by the company that employees may only receive 4% of their pension entitlements due to the distress of the Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme (IASS).
According to SIPTU Sector Organiser, Dermot O’Loughlin, union members are astounded at the ‘provocation and deliberate scare-mongering’ in the latest statement by Aer Lingus on the pensions dispute. The IASS, which covers staff in Aer Lingus and the Dublin Airport Authority, is crippled with a €750 million deficit.
“Aer Lingus relies on flawed financial data to frighten its employees who are members of the IASS. The company is silent on the fact that it has cash reserves in the region of €900 million and has historically been one of the lowest contributors to its employee’s pension schemes.
“At the recent Labour Relations Commission hearing the company made a derisory offer to deal with the deficit in the scheme which allows it to de-risk and walk away from its responsibilities to its employees,” Dermot O’Loughlin said.
“The management of Aer Lingus would be better served if it embraced meaningful negotiations rather than continue with its provocation and deliberate scare-mongering.”
 |
 |
Growing support for James Connolly Bridge campaign
The proposal to name the new transport bridge over the river Liffey in Dublin in honour of trade union organiser and 1916 leader, James Connolly, has received broad political support and the backing of numerous prominent cultural figures.James Connolly Bridge campaign co-ordinator, Brendan Carr, said: “In recent days the campaign has met with members of all the political groups in Dublin City Council. The proposal received a very positive response from all the groups.
The proposal to name the new transport bridge over the river Liffey in Dublin in honour of trade union organiser and 1916 leader, James Connolly, has received broad political support and the backing of numerous prominent cultural figures.James Connolly Bridge campaign co-ordinator, Brendan Carr, said: “In recent days the campaign has met with members of all the political groups in Dublin City Council. The proposal received a very positive response from all the groups. “The campaign is aiming to garner support from all political persuasions and have the proposal adopted in a non-partisan manner.” Among the prominent people who have backed the proposal to commemorate the struggles of the working people of Dublin by naming the bridge in honour of James Connolly are singers Christy Moore, Andy Irvine, Mary Byrne and Frances Black; actors Bryan Murray and Gabriel Byrne; comedians Brendan Grace and Brendan O’Carroll; poets Theo Dorgan and Paula Meehan, as well as artist Robert Ballagh and Dublin GAA star Alan Brogan. The bridge from Marlborough Street to Hawkins Street is due to open next summer, during a year of special significance to the trade union movement as it marks the 100th anniversary of the 1913 Lockout and comes just three years before the centenary of the 1916 Rising Brendan Carr added: “What we are trying to do is remember the struggle of the people of Dublin 100 years ago and the link we have between 1913 and 1916 is James Connolly.” To learn more about the campaign and show your support visit the “James Connolly Bridge Campaign” on Facebook or click –http://www.facebook.com/pages/James-Connolly-Bridge-Campaign/473354252685931
 |
 |
Workers protest at Clerys
Workers at Clerys retail chain took part in a peaceful protest on Tuesday (2nd October), in support of their colleagues from the outlets at Leopardstown, Naas, Blanchardstown and Guiney’s, following the decision by the new owners of the company, Gordon Brothers, to place these stores in liquidation. The protest was exceptionally well attended and the staff outlined their frustration at how these colleagues have been treated.
 Staff members at Clerys Blanchardstown, (L-R) Frank Byrne, Natasha Finnegan, Michelle McGettigan and Imelda Mulligan protest outside Clerys on O'Connell Street over the way the new owners, Gordon Brothers, have treated staff in the outlets they have already closed including Guiney's in Blanchardstown, Naas and Sandyford, and their decision to close the company's pension scheme.
Workers at Clerys retail chain took part in a peaceful protest on Tuesday (2nd October), in support of their colleagues from the outlets at Leopardstown, Naas, Blanchardstown and Guiney’s, following the decision by the new owners of the company, Gordon Brothers, to place these stores in liquidation. The protest was exceptionally well attended and the staff outlined their frustration at how these colleagues have been treated. “Not only is it unacceptable that the company has attempted to unilaterally impose compulsory redundancies without agreement but in the cases of all the stores with the exception of Blanchardstown, the workers will need to apply to the social fund for their redundancy and all outstanding wages. The company has ignored all requests to consider redeployment options for the staff affected. This coupled with the closure of the staff pension scheme is totally unacceptable to all the employees,” SIPTU Organiser Graham Macken said. A petition was delivered to Gordon Brothers by the protesting workers, who are members of SIPTU and Mandate. Graham Macken added: “Negotiations between Gordon Brothers and workers’ representatives in relation to the restructuring proposals for O’Connell Street are ongoing. Both SIPTU and Mandate are urging the company to uphold their moral obligation to all our members if there is to be any possibility of an amicable settlement for all parties concerned.
 |
 |
Olhausen closes its three plants with loss of 160 jobs
Workers at sausage maker, Olhausen, were informed on Wednesday (10th October) that the company has ceased trading at its plants in Blanchardstown and Coolock in Dublin and in county Monaghan. Receiver, Jim Hamilton of BDO, who was appointed by Ulster Bank, informed representatives of the 160 workers, including 100 SIPTU members, that the company has closed without notice as it is no longer a going concern.
Workers at sausage maker, Olhausen, were informed on Wednesday (10th October) that the company has ceased trading at its plants in Blanchardstown and Coolock in Dublin and in county Monaghan. Receiver, Jim Hamilton of BDO, who was appointed by Ulster Bank, informed representatives of the 160 workers, including 100 SIPTU members, that the company has closed without notice as it is no longer a going concern.
SIPTU Organiser, Colm Casserly, said that the receiver had agreed to the payment of outstanding wages due to workers at the three plants.
NIC-ICTU March against Austerity - Saturday, 20th October
NIC-ICTU have organised a march against Austerity on Saturday (20th October) in Belfast.

For further details about the time and route please click on the following link: http://www.ictuni.org/marchagainstausterity/marchroute.html
NIC-ICTU have organised a march against Austerity on Saturday (20th October) in Belfast. For further details about the time and route please click on the following link: http://www.ictuni.org/marchagainstausterity/marchroute.html This march is just one step in a long campaign to get the British Government to change course from it’s dangerous and damaging programme of cuts and austerity. Across the water the TUC have organised similar marches as a co-ordinated action.
Foynes freighter allowed relocate as crew members begin to leave
The 7,000 ton freighter ‘Pioneer Atlantic’ at the Aughinish Aluminia facility in Foynes was allowed to move out into the Shannon estuary off Moneypoint on Wednesday (10th October) as crew members wishing to leave because of concerns over safety depart. The first two crew members to do so, the Boson and an able seaman, flew home to the Philippines from Shannon Airport later that day.
The 7,000 ton freighter ‘Pioneer Atlantic’ at the Aughinish Aluminia facility in Foynes was allowed to move out into the Shannon estuary off Moneypoint on Wednesday (10th October) as crew members wishing to leave because of concerns over safety depart. The first two crew members to do so, the Boson and an able seaman, flew home to the Philippines from Shannon Airport later that day. However, it will be Friday before the First Officer, Chief Engineer and Assistant Chief Engineer can be replaced and they have agreed to remain with the ship until then. SIPTU Industrial Organiser Tony Carroll said, “The fact that the three most senior officers on board after the Captain are not happy to sail with this ship in its present condition is testimony enough to the state it is in.
“It is to be regretted that Port State Control has not yet seen fit to inspect the vessel, especially as 19 other crew members are opting to stay on board because they do not feel they can afford to leave for a variety of reasons. It is still possible for Port State Control to redeem itself by despatching an inspector to Foynes to examine the vessel between now and Friday.”
SIPTU has ensured payment of wages due to the five departing crew members totalling €27,252. International Transport Workers Federation Co-Ordinator Ken Fleming thanked Tony Carroll and SIPTU Divisional Organiser Christy McQuillan for their assistance. “It is a pity that the state agency with primary responsibility for health and safety in this area saw fit to leave these seafarers to their own devices. As Tony Carroll says, it is still not too late for them to act.”
 |
 |
Home Helps protest outside office of An Taoiseach
More than 50 protesters protested outside the constituency office of the Taoiseach on Monday (8th October) to draw attention to Health Service Excutive (HSE) proposals for further cuts to the Home Help service in County Mayo and the continued dishonouring of their contracts of employment. The Taoiseach was not available to speak to the Home Helps, but his parliamentary assistant, Cllr Ger Deere, met with a small group of shop stewards to hear their concerns.
 SIPTU Home Helps protested outside the constituency office of An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, in Castlebar, Co. Mayo on Monday, 8th October.
More than 50 protesters protested outside the constituency office of the Taoiseach on Monday (8th October) to draw attention to Health Service Excutive (HSE) proposals for further cuts to the Home Help service in County Mayo and the continued dishonouring of their contracts of employment. The Taoiseach was not available to speak to the Home Helps, but his parliamentary assistant, Cllr Ger Deere, met with a small group of shop stewards to hear their concerns.
SIPTU Organiser, Paul Hardy, said: "No breakdown of cuts in Mayo has been released by the HSE and no risk assessment has been carried out, but we agree with the recent statement of North Mayo coroner, Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald that reductions in Home Help services lead to an increase in deaths from chronic illness.” He added: “The present cuts are not only detrimental to the health and well-being of elderly people in the county but are economically foolish, since integrated Home Help care keeps people out of residential nursing homes and overcrowded emergency departments. The Government should immediately instruct the HSE not to cut services further and to make best use of the contracted Home Help hours available for the good of our community."
 |
 |
Cuts to Home Help services will affect most vulnerable
SIPTU has stated that the decision of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to implement €8 million in cuts to Home Help services will reduce the quality of life of the most vulnerable and result in increased costs as more people are forced into full time hospital care. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “The decision by the HSE to implement cuts to Home Help services is morally unacceptable and illogical. Cuts in Home Help hours will not only reduce the provision of care to the most vulnerable in our society but will also result in more people having to avail of full-time care in a hospital setting. These outcomes go directly against the stated aim of the Government to develop community based health services and reduce spending.”
SIPTU has stated that the decision of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to implement €8 million in cuts to Home Help services will reduce the quality of life of the most vulnerable and result in increased costs as more people are forced into full time hospital care. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “The decision by the HSE to implement cuts to Home Help services is morally unacceptable and illogical. Cuts in Home Help hours will not only reduce the provision of care to the most vulnerable in our society but will also result in more people having to avail of full-time care in a hospital setting. These outcomes go directly against the stated aim of the Government to develop community based health services and reduce spending.” He added: “The reduction in Home Help services will also increase the hardships faced by the low paid workers who provide these services. Since July, SIPTU has attempted to engage HSE management in negotiations on the provision of adequate contracts, the maintenance of Home Helps’ working hours and their security of earnings. Due to management intransigence meaningful discussions have not been possible. In September, SIPTU requested an emergency Labour Court hearing into the rapidly deteriorating treatment of Home Helps. The request followed the failure of the HSE to honour the terms of a Labour Court recommendation which proposed that management enter meaningful discussions on finalising an agreement to provide Home Helps with adequate contracts and security of earnings.
 |
 |
Privatisation – Robbing The People’s Wealth
The Trade Union Left Forum has published a pamphlet on the politics of privatisation. The pamphlet explores the ideology that underpins the privatisation agenda and includes a case study on the effects of this approach on the ESB.
The pamphlet is available for download at the new Trade Union Left Forum website: www.tuleftforum.com

The Trade Union Left Forum has published a pamphlet on the politics of privatisation. The pamphlet explores the ideology that underpins the privatisation agenda and includes a case study on the effects of this approach on the ESB.
The pamphlet is available for download at the new Trade Union Left Forum website: www.tuleftforum.com

Cleaners and security staff in vote over deals
SIPTU’s Contract Cleaning and Security Services Sector is balloting more than 10,000 security static guards and contract cleaners over the next two months. The union is recommending a YES vote in the ballot over two new national collective agreements. The proposals, if endorsed by SIPTU members, will pave the way to have both agreements registered under the newly enacted Industrial Relations Act 2012. SIPTU lobbied for the legislation so that the Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) and Registered Employment Agreements (REAs) could be put on a sound legal footing.
SIPTU’s Contract Cleaning and Security Services Sector is balloting more than 10,000 security static guards and contract cleaners over the next two months. The Union is recommending a YES vote in the ballot over two new national collective agreements. The proposals, if endorsed by SIPTU members, will pave the way to have both agreements registered under the newly enacted Industrial Relations Act 2012. SIPTU lobbied for the legislation so that the Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) and Registered Employment Agreements (REAs) could be put on a sound legal footing. Contract cleaners and security officers were previously covered by EROs up to July 2011 when they were struck down by the High Court. Since then, SIPTU along with a wider progressive coalition of other unions and NGOs have been lobbying for new legislation in order to provide workers – such as cleaners, security officers and other low-paid workers – to negotiate collectively bargained yet legally enforceable minimum conditions of employment for their industries. SIPTU cleaners as part of the Fair Deal for Cleaners campaign played a leading role in agitating, lobbying and protesting to advance the rights of all low-paid workers. Because of this, SIPTU cleaners managed to secure a “holding” REA for six months from February to August this year. The sets of proposals protect and enhance the minimum conditions of employment in both industries. In contract cleaning, the minimum rate of pay of €9.50 has been protected. In security, the minimum entry rate of pay has been enhanced by a 7.5% increase, now at €10.75 an hour. The proposals are being recommended by both SIPTU negotiating teams. These teams are made up of union organisers who organise and bargain in the industry along with elected Shop Stewards who are industry experts in cleaning and security. Seeking to develop REAs in both contract cleaning and security is a critical part of SIPTU’s overall union and sector strategy and is a bid to organise workers and build worker power with real leverage in the cleaning and security industries. Having such agreements in place is critical in contracted services in order to take wages out of competition and to avoid placing unionised contractors in an uncompetitive situation. They also constitute a key piece of infrastructure that seeks to defend workers’ earnings in what are labour intensive industries. The union believes the two agreements, if endorsed by the membership, will create an opportunity to organise more cleaners and security officers. The agreements have also involved significant collaboration between SIPTU’s Strategic Organising Department and the sector during the contract cleaning REA talks.
 |
 |
SIPTU concerned by working conditions at Shannagh Bay Nursing Home
SIPTU has referred concerns over working conditions in Shannagh Bay Nursing Home in Bray, Co. Wicklow, to the Labour Relations Commission.
Issues of concern include staff not receiving payment for leave, being requested to pay for training which is conducted during time off, being expected to be on the premises for 30 minutes extra each day without additional pay, the failure to provide secure changing facilities and the irregular payment of wages.
SIPTU has referred concerns over working conditions in Shannagh Bay Nursing Home in Bray, Co. Wicklow, to the Labour Relations Commission.
Issues of concern include staff not receiving payment for leave, being requested to pay for training which is conducted during time off, being expected to be on the premises for 30 minutes extra each day without additional pay, the failure to provide secure changing facilities and the irregular payment of wages.
Staff have also raised concerns regarding new contracts issued by the employer.
SIPTU Organiser, John McCamley, said: “These are very serious allegations. Management has refused requests to meet with SIPTU, which represents the majority of staff at the facility to discuss these issues. In light of their continued unwillingness to discuss staff concerns we have referred the issues to the Labour Relations Commission.
“We also wish to discuss with management why it has requested staff to fill in forms stating if they are union members and if they are when did they join. Requesting such information from workers is a clear breach of the Data Protection Act.”
 |
 |
Congress says work pressures can contribute to drug and alcohol misuse
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said on Wednesday (10th October) that employers must recognise that stressful, unsocial, monotonous or highly-pressurised work environments can contribute to drug or alcohol misuse by employees.
Congress Legislation & Legal Affairs Officer, Esther Lynch encouraged employers “to sit down with workers and their unions to identify if a person’s job, or the way in which work is organised might be contributing to alcohol or drug misuse.”
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions said on Wednesday (10th October) that employers must recognise that stressful, unsocial, monotonous or highly-pressurised work environments can contribute to drug or alcohol misuse by employees.
Congress Legislation & Legal Affairs Officer, Esther Lynch encouraged employers “to sit down with workers and their unions to identify if a person’s job, or the way in which work is organised might be contributing to alcohol or drug misuse.”
She said Congress has published new guidelines for negotiating fair and legal drug and alcohol policies in the workplace.*
Ms Lynch was speaking at the 30th Annual EAP Institute Conference of health and safety and employee assistance practitioners, in Dublin.
“Employers need to recognise that working conditions - stress, excessive work pressure, unsocial hours or monotony - may be a factor in someone starting to drink more or abuse drugs,” My Lynch said.
“This also applies in jobs where there is ready access to alcohol or where drinking and entertaining is a normal part of doing business.”
She warned that disciplinary action should be “a last resort,” explaining that tribunals and courts may find a dismissal unfair “if an employer has made no attempt to help an employee with a problem where work factors are a clear contributory factor.
“What we need instead is a comprehensive workplace policy that offers support, not punishment and our guide aims to help trade unions to see that effective policies are pursued at work, to prevent substance abuse and help those who may have become dependent on alcohol or drugs.
*The guidelines are available free to download at http://www.ictu.ie/publications/fulllist/workplace-drug-alcohol-policies/
 |
 |
Construction Industry Compliance
Labour councillor, Anton McCabe, has joined forces with Labour Senator Denis Landy and SIPTU to disseminate information to councillors throughout the country on the importance of compliance within the construction industry.
Cllr McCabe says that employers within the industry who fail to fully comply with the Registered Employment Agreement for the construction industry are putting their employees at risk, without pensions, sick pay, injury benefits and mortality benefits.
 From left: Anton McCabe and Denis Landy
Labour councillor, Anton McCabe, has joined forces with Labour Senator Denis Landy and SIPTU to disseminate information to councillors throughout the country on the importance of compliance within the construction industry.
Cllr McCabe says that employers within the industry who fail to fully comply with the Registered Employment Agreement for the construction industry are putting their employees at risk, without pensions, sick pay, injury benefits and mortality benefits.
Workers are also being underpaid which impacts on the spend in the domestic economy, with less tax being paid, and contributes to people staying in the social welfare system.Senator Landy and Cllr McCabe jointly intend to make every County Manager, Town Manager and councillor in the country aware of their responsibilities under the REO’s when they tender for public funded contracts.
“There is no room in the industry for cowboy builders, who operate outside the agreement, but there is a moral responsibility on local authorities to ensure that contractors are fully compliant when they tender for public contracts,” they said.
Cllr McCabe added that local authorities have to work closely with the unions to stamp out the practice.
“Councillors throughout the country are being requested to bring the issue of non compliance before every County/Town and Borough Council in an attempt to clean up the industry once and for all,” he said.
|
 |
 |
|
Central Bank has been part of the problem not the solution
Last week’s call by the Central Bank for a cut in wages across the economy was a response to the catastrophic economic crisis which was brought about by the banking sector. It was allowed to happen not least because the same Central Bank was asleep on the job.
These people who bear the primary responsibility for what is almost certainly the biggest banking collapse in history relative to the size of the economy have persisted in pursuing a strategy that has made the mess they created worse with each passing day.
Unit labour costs in Ireland have improved by about 19% relative to our main trading partners since the collapse of 2008. Exports continue to perform steadily despite economic stagnation across Europe. This stagnation is the result of similar policies to those which the Central Bank continues to advocate.
Last week’s call by the Central Bank for a cut in wages across the economy was a response to the catastrophic economic crisis which was brought about by the banking sector. It was allowed to happen not least because the same Central Bank was asleep on the job.
These people who bear the primary responsibility for what is almost certainly the biggest banking collapse in history relative to the size of the economy have persisted in pursuing a strategy that has made the mess they created worse with each passing day.
Unit labour costs in Ireland have improved by about 19% relative to our main trading partners since the collapse of 2008. Exports continue to perform steadily despite economic stagnation across Europe. This stagnation is the result of similar policies to those which the Central Bank continues to advocate.
The problem with our economy is not that wages or spending is too high. It is that consumer demand continues to fall through the floorboards precisely as a result of the pursuit of this nonsensical approach which reflects an on-going attempt to resolve the problems created by those at the top of society through crucifying people on middle and low incomes.
|
 |
 |
|
CSO report reveals Ireland’s high prices and unemployment compared to EU neighbours
The Republic of Ireland is the fifth most expensive country in the EU, with consumers paying 17% more than the EU average, accruing to a new Central Statistics Office (CSO) report. The CSO Measuring Ireland's Progress 2011 report published on Wednesday (10th October), found that only Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Luxembourg had higher consumer prices than Ireland last year.
The Republic of Ireland is the fifth most expensive country in the EU, with consumers paying 17% more than the EU average, accruing to a new Central Statistics Office (CSO) report. The CSO Measuring Ireland's Progress 2011 report published on Wednesday (10th October), found that only Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Luxembourg had higher consumer prices than Ireland last year. However, as a result of low inflation its relative expensiveness has improved since the start of the recession in 2008, when it had the second highest prices in the EU at 30% above average. Ireland also came fifth highest in the EU for its unemployment rate last year. It had the highest percentage of adults living in jobless households in the EU, at 15.8% compared with the EU average of 11.1%. The productivity of the Irish workforce (GDP per person employed) was above the EU average, the report found. Ireland’s GDP per capita was the fourth highest in the EU at 27% above average. Ireland also fared well in terms of educational achievements with the third highest level of third level completion in the EU. Some 46% of the population in the 25-34 age group have completed third level.
 |
 |
Sinn Féin calls for €13 billion investment in jobs
Investment in indigenous industry and infrastructure are central to an ambitious jobs plan published by Sinn Féin on Thursday (11th October). Sinn Féin spokesperson for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Peadar Tóibín said: “In the last four years Ireland has shed more jobs than any other western state per capita since the Great Depression. Last year the economy lost 33,400 jobs. In 2011 our communities lost 87,000 to emigration.
Investment in indigenous industry and infrastructure are central to an ambitious jobs plan published by Sinn Féin on Thursday (11th October). Sinn Féin spokesperson for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Peadar Tóibín said: “In the last four years Ireland has shed more jobs than any other western state per capita since the Great Depression. Last year the economy lost 33,400 jobs. In 2011 our communities lost 87,000 to emigration. “It is clear that government policy is not working. The government has paid lip service to job creation. Their ambitions for this state are limited to Troika-led retrenchment. Private investment has reduced by €30 billion. Government has withdrawn €24 billion. He added: “We have identified €13 billion which can be sourced to create jobs, improve competitiveness and increase productivity. This would be funded from the National Pension Reserve Fund, European Investment Bank, incentivised investment from the private pension sector and we would end the capital spending cuts of this government. “An investment of this scale would create about 156,000 jobs and retain up to 15,000 existing jobs. Smart investment will secure sustainable jobs and our national competitiveness into the future. “Our jobs plan will invest in essential infrastructure; help entrepreneurs by removing obstacles to doing business and supporting them to retain and create new jobs; exploit the potential of existing and new state enterprises particularly in broadband rollout, renewable energy and eco-tourism and invest in agri-food and rural communities. Among the proposals in the extensive and rigorously costed jobs plan are the construction of a new bio-refinery plant in the South East with the potential to create 5,000 jobs; investment in the roll-out of next generation broadband across the 26 counties; regeneration of the Cork dockland area; the Establishment of 50 new Primary Health Care Centres and a €1billion investment in sustainable energy.
 |
 |
The Working Rich Phenomenon: Top Incomes in Germany
In today’s article, Christina Anselmann and Hagen Krämer discuss the working rich phenomenon and rising income differences in Germany.
They argue that the reasons or theories that are predominantly put forward do not fully explain these issues. They conclude that it is doubtful that rising top incomes in Germany are economically and socially sustainable.
In today’s article, Christina Anselmann and Hagen Krämer discuss the working rich phenomenon and rising income differences in Germany.
They argue that the reasons or theories that are predominantly put forward do not fully explain these issues. They conclude that it is doubtful that rising top incomes in Germany are economically and socially sustainable.
Christina Anselmann is a research student whose research interests include macroeconomiccs and income inequality. Hagen Krämer is a professor of economics at the Department of Management and Engineering at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (Germany) whose research interests include income distribution and growth. Please click here to read the full the article and on our blog at: http://column.global-labour-university.org/ We encourage you to make comments at the end of the article. The GLC editors, Nicolas and Phumzile
|
 |
 |
|
Che’s daughter at Liberty Hall
Dr Aleida Guevara March, daughter of the Argentinian-born Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara and his wife Aleida March, addressed a packed Liberty Hall on Monday (1st October) during her recent visit to Ireland during which she launched the English version of her mother’s book ‘Remembering Che: My Life with Che Guevara.’ Dr Guevara who is a paediatrician at the William Soler Paediatric Hospital in Havana, spoke movingly of her mother, also Aleida and Che who met when they were both activists in the 26th July Movement in Cuba in the mid-1950’s and of their deep relationship before her father was executed in Bolivia in 1967.
 James Connolly Heron, grandson of 1916 leader James Connolly, gives Dr. Aleida Guevara (right) daughter of the Argentinian-born Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara, a description of the historical importance of 16 Moore Street and The 1916 Easter Rising and made her an honorary member of the Save Number 16 Moore Street Campaign.
Dr Aleida Guevara March, daughter of the Argentinian-born Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara and his wife Aleida March, addressed a packed Liberty Hall on Monday (1st October) during her recent visit to Ireland during which she launched the English version of her mother’s book ‘Remembering Che: My Life with Che Guevara.’ Dr Guevara who is a paediatrician at the William Soler Paediatric Hospital in Havana, spoke movingly of her mother, also Aleida and Che who met when they were both activists in the 26th July Movement in Cuba in the mid-1950’s and of their deep relationship before her father was executed in Bolivia in 1967. During her visit also attended Leinster House for a meeting with TDs and Senators and opened the second annual Che Do Bheatha Festival in Kilkee, county Clare. Dr Guevara was a guest of the Galway Trades Council at the All Ireland Senior Hurling Final in Croke Park on Sunday (30th September). Her and Che’s Lynch family background is rooted in Galway. She signed hundreds of copies of her mother’s book at the Liberty Hall event and at a meeting organised earlier that day by the Irish Trade Unions Cuba Solidarity Committee, in Wynn’s Hotel, Dublin.
 |
 |
FEPS/TASC Autumn Conference
 There are now only a few places remaining for the forthcoming FEPS/TASC Autumn Conference, which will take place in the Croke Park Conference Centre on Friday and Saturday, 19th-20th October.
Speakers over the two days will include Dr Michael Förster of the OECD, Dr Michael Dauderstädt of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Chrysa Leventi (Universities of Essex and Athens), Prof George Irvin (University of London), Dr Sean Healy (Social Justice Ireland), Ann Pettifor (Director, PRIME; Fellow, New Economics Foundation), Zoe Lanara (Greek Confederation of Trade Unions), Faiza Shaheen (New Economics Foundation), Prof David Jacobson (DCU), Dr Nick McDonald (TCD), Prof Terrence McDonagh (NUIG), Dr Tom Healy (NERI) and Stewart Lansley (author, The Cost of Inequality).
There are now only a few places remaining for the forthcoming FEPS/TASC Autumn Conference, which will take place in the Croke Park Conference Centre on Friday and Saturday, 19th-20th October.
Speakers over the two days will include Dr Michael Förster of the OECD, Dr Michael Dauderstädt of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Chrysa Leventi (Universities of Essex and Athens), Prof George Irvin (University of London), Dr Sean Healy (Social Justice Ireland), Ann Pettifor (Director, PRIME; Fellow, New Economics Foundation), Zoe Lanara (Greek Confederation of Trade Unions), Faiza Shaheen (New Economics Foundation), Prof David Jacobson (DCU), Dr Nick McDonald (TCD), Prof Terrence McDonagh (NUIG), Dr Tom Healy (NERI) and Stewart Lansley (author, The Cost of Inequality).
Venue The Conference will take place in the Ash Suite, on the Cusack Stand side of Croke Park. The entrance is from St. Joseph’s Avenue (beside the GAA Museum). Please click here to download a map showing directions.
Parking Parking in the Cusack Stand parking lot is free for conference participants (entrance from St Joseph’s Avenue). See map for direction.
Many thanks if you have already registered to attend.
Kind regards,
Nat O'Connor Director
 |
 |
Unveiling of Bob Doyle Mural
Anti Facist Action Ireland celebrated their 21st birthday on the first weekend of October with the unveiling of a mural of international brigadier Bob Doyle by his close friend and historian, Harry Owens on North King Street in Dublin close to where Bob was born.
Anti Facist Action Ireland celebrated their 21st birthday on the first weekend of October with the unveiling of a mural of international brigadier Bob Doyle by his close friend and historian, Harry Owens on North King Street in Dublin close to where Bob was born.
IMF Report shows radical change in Budget plans required
The IMF’s World Economic Outlook admisssion that it underestimated the impacts of austerity measures on the Irish Economy shows that the claim that austerity policies will improve Ireland’s deficit and get us out of the recession is fundamentally flawed.
The IMF report shows that Ireland had the second highest austerity measures in the developed world in 2010. It’s forecasts for economic growth for Ireland are well below the Government’s predictions.
The IMF’s World Economic Outlook admission that it underestimated the impacts of austerity measures on the Irish Economy shows that the claim that austerity policies will improve Ireland’s deficit and get us out of the recession is fundamentally flawed.
The IMF report shows that Ireland had the second highest austerity measures in the developed world in 2010. It’s forecasts for economic growth for Ireland are well below the Government’s predictions.
Dr. Rory Hearne, spokesperson for Claiming Our Future said:
“The plans to implement another drastic austerity Budget in December needs to be reconsidered in the light of the IMF’s most recent report. More cuts are highly likely to drag us further into recession and make the unemployment crisis even worse.”
Siobhan O'Donoghue, Claiming Our Future, said: “The IMF report shows that austerity does not work. We have outlined an alternative approach in Plan B which is based on government-led stimulus investment, raising taxes on higher incomes and maintaining spending on public services. This alternative would provide employment and growth.”
Other organisations and groups such as TASC, NERI, ICTU, Social Justice Ireland, and the Community Platform have also outlined progressive budget proposals that show there are alternatives. Austerity is self defeating in a recession like our current one. Cutting spending on welfare, public services and the wages of public sector workers and raising taxes on lower and middle income households takes further money out of the economy. Austerity further dampens domestic demand and growth and puts more people out of work leading to higher spending on welfare. We are in a vicious downward spiral that requires an alternative policy approach. Claiming Our Future’s Plan B
Austerity isn't working. Taking billions of Euros out of our economy each year increases emigration and unemployment as public services are cut to the bone. Simply put, we cannot cut our way out of recession. Ireland needs a Plan B. Investment programmes in areas such as high speed broadband and renewable energy will create jobs, grow the economy and protect public services. Private and public funds in Ireland and Europe, together with a fairer tax system, will raise the money needed.
By supporting Claiming Our Future’s “Plan B” Campaign you can help get Ireland back working again, an Ireland based on the values of equality, sustainability and solidarity.
See more information on Plan B at www.claimingourfuture.ie
 |
 |
Tony O'Reilly Jnr quizzed on BBC's 'Today' programme about Ireland's bad oil deal
By William Hederman
The BBC appears to be more clued in to the realities of Ireland’s mismanagement of our oil and gas resources than are many people here in Ireland. On Wednesday (10th October, 2012) the CEO of Providence Resources, Tony O’Reilly Jnr, was interviewed live on BBC Radio 4’s flagship current affairs programme, 'Today', following the company’s announcement that its Barryroe field off Cork will yield 280 million barrels of oil. The presenter quizzed O’Reilly about the bad deal Ireland will get from production of Irish oil.
By William Hederman
The BBC appears to be more clued in to the realities of Ireland’s mismanagement of our oil and gas resources than are many people here in Ireland. On Wednesday (10th October, 2012) the CEO of Providence Resources, Tony O’Reilly Jnr, was interviewed live on BBC Radio 4’s flagship current affairs programme, 'Today', following the company’s announcement that its Barryroe field off Cork will yield 280 million barrels of oil. The presenter quizzed O’Reilly about the bad deal Ireland will get from production of Irish oil.
[See link at end of this article to an audio file of the BBC interview] He asked O’Reilly how much of the revenue from Barryroe the Irish State was likely to receive, considering the very low tax rate here for oil and gas production. The presenter also asked the Providence boss about the extraordinary fact that, for the purposes of this tax, Providence would be able to deduct 100% of its exploration costs anywhere in Irish waters going back 25 years.
O’Reilly’s response was to trot out the same myths and obfuscation that have been the staple of the Irish oil lobby’s and the Irish government’s defence of Ireland’s dysfunctional licensing regime.
On the tax write-off of exploration costs going back a quarter of a century (remember, that’s exploration anywhere in Irish territory, even if it isn’t related to the field in question), O’Reilly blustered that this was “pretty normal everywhere in the world”. It isn’t normal worldwide.
He then reverted to the usual script, pointing out that Ireland has no oil industry and that Barryroe heralds “the beginning of that industry”; he cited “security of supply” and “jobs” and all-round “enormous benefits”. This is supposed to be the consolation for Ireland’s low tax ‘take’.
These claims serve to perpetuate the misinformed debate around this issue. As demonstrated previously on this website, Ireland does not require that oil or gas extracted from Irish waters be landed in Ireland or supplied to the Irish market, nor that the companies use Irish equipment, services or personnel. O’Reilly’s company has admitted that any oil find at its Dalkey Prospect is unlikely to result in any economic benefits locally.
The company is refusing to confirm where the oil from Barryroe will go, even though it already knows exactly what kind of oil it is and thus it knows whether the Whitegate refinery at nearby Cork can process the oil. This caginess must lead one to suspect that it is considering exporting the oil from the rig to a refinery overseas. Regardless of where the oil from Barryroe ends up, the company is not likely to create jobs or economic spin-offs in Ireland.
In other words, when O’Reilly says Barryroe will be the start of an industry, what he should have said is that it will probably contribute to the oil industry in Scotland, the Netherlands and other places where oil companies source their staff, equipment and support services. Our security of supply will only be improved if Providence decides to bring the oil ashore here. If it ships the oil abroad, our security of supply will be weakened.
When the BBC presenter asked about the Dalkey oil project (Providence last week got a licence to drill next to Dalkey Island), O’Reilly said: “Hopefully benefits will accrue in the locality.” This contradicts his own employees, who have previously made clear that there are unlikely to be any benefits locally.
Some will argue that a low tax take is better than no tax take, so we should just let the companies get on with finding and extracting our resources. This short-term approach ignores the many costs associated with extraction of our oil and gas.
As well as the obvious environmental risks associated with extraction, there are the social costs, as witnessed by those resisting Shell in north Mayo. There is also an economic cost: extraction means the depletion of resources that would be vital in decades to come, when security of supply is a real issue.
Finally, the presenter asked O’Reilly a question rarely heard on Irish airwaves: “Will you be landing the oil in Cork?” O’Reilly’s answer was: “We hope so.”
This encapsulates the Irish Government’s policy: hope. The best we can do is hope that companies supply us with our own oil and gas and to hope that they generate some kind of economic spin-offs in Ireland, while we simultaneously hope that they don’t destroy the environment.
Audio of the morning's interview on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9758000/9758684.stm
 |
 |
LASC organises FETAC course
The Latin America Solidarity Centre (LASC) is organising a FETAC 5 Latin American Development Issues Course in Dublin. For information about the course click here: http://www.lasc.ie/node/635/ This is a highly regarded course that covers issues such as labour rights, indigenous rights, food sovereignty, gender, etc. in Latin America. The course begins on the 6th November and registration continues until Thursday, 25th October. Tel: LASC at 01 6760435 For more information log onto: www.lasc.ie
The Latin America Solidarity Centre (LASC) is organising a FETAC 5 Latin American Development Issues Course in Dublin. For information about the course click here: http://www.lasc.ie/node/635/ This is a highly regarded course that covers issues such as labour rights, indigenous rights, food sovereignty, gender, etc. in Latin America. The course begins on the 6th November and registration continues until Thursday, 25th October. Tel: LASC at 01 6760435 For more information log onto: www.lasc.ie
SIPTU Basic English Scheme
Jim Larkin Credit Union
SIPTU Membership Services
|
 |
 |
|
Karan Casey Album
Hey Folks,
I am in the process of making a new album and I am looking for help in funding it. I have started a campaign on the crowdfunding website www.kickstarter.com. In the absence of any significant record company involvement in traditional and folk music this seems to be an ideal way to my fans involved in the creation of the album. People will pledge money which will enable me to arrange, record, mix, manufacture and market the album as well as pay all the musicians involved. In return they will receive rewards which range from a simple thank you or download of the album, up to playing concerts in people's houses, singing lessons over Skype and recording on someone's album.
Hey Folks,
I am in the process of making a new album and I am looking for help in funding it. I have started a campaign on the crowdfunding website www.kickstarter.com. In the absence of any significant record company involvement in traditional and folk music this seems to be an ideal way to my fans involved in the creation of the album. People will pledge money which will enable me to arrange, record, mix, manufacture and market the album as well as pay all the musicians involved. In return they will receive rewards which range from a simple thank you or download of the album, up to playing concerts in people's houses, singing lessons over Skype and recording on someone's album.
The album will feature new songs that I have composed over the last couple of years. It really means a lot to me to be able to record these songs, so any help I can get would be greatly appreciated. Please pass this on to anyone you feel might be interested and share the video.
All the best,
Karan Casey (www.karancasey.com)
Here's the link to look at the project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/karancasey/karan-casey-new-album
SONG: http://soundcloud.com/Karan-Casey/Karan-Casey-home
Karan Casey has recorded and performed some of the most significant Irish labour and progressive historical songs as well as many other traditional and original songs.
|
 |
 |
|
SIPTU Membership Services
|
|
|
|