SIPTU Home Helps and their supporters from across the midlands marched on Wednesday (21st November), in Tullamore to protest against cuts to Home Help services.
The workers marched to the HSE Offices and handed in a petition, containing over 10,000 signatures, calling on the agency to reverse its decision to implement massive cutbacks in Home Help hours.
Over 200 SIPTU Home Helps and their supporters from across the midlands marched in Tullamore on Wednesday, 21st November, as part of the 'Time to Care' campaign.
SIPTU Home Helps and their supporters from across the midlands marched on Wednesday (21st November), in Tullamore to protest against cuts to Home Help services.
The workers marched to the HSE Offices and handed in a petition, containing over 10,000 signatures, calling on the agency to reverse its decision to implement massive cutbacks in Home Help hours.
SIPTU Organiser, Dimma van Dulmen, said: “Home Help workers throughout the midland counties of Laois, Longford, Westmeath and Offaly, their families and clients, who are able, will join the march and send a clear message to the HSE that these cuts must be reversed. We are also seeking support from the general public.”
The march received the backing of Tullamore Town Council which, earlier this month, unanimously voted in favour of a motion supporting the SIPTU ‘Time to Care’ Home Helps campaign. A number of county councillors have also expressed solidarity with the SIPTU Home Helps and joined the march.
Tullamore Home Help, Carmel Bannon, said: “This was an important day in our battle to reverse these cuts. We have received huge support from the general public, and growing support from politicians of all parties. Now we are bringing our message directly to the HSE.”
NEWS
Towards a New Course
This film was made by SIPTU Campaigns to support the Union’s ‘New Course Campaign’ and has been shared widely on social media since it went online earlier this week. SIPTU activists around the country are currently lobbying TDs and other public representatives of all parties and asking them to support our 10 demands for economic growth and job creation contained in the ‘Towards a New Course’pamphlet.
This film was made by SIPTU Campaigns to support the Union’s ‘New Course Campaign’ and has been shared widely on social media since it went online earlier this week. SIPTU activists around the country are currently lobbying TDs and other public representatives of all parties and asking them to support our 10 demands for economic growth and job creation contained in the ‘Towards a New Course’ pamphlet.
Facebook abusers receive heavy fines at Dublin college
Five students at a Dublin third level college have had fines of up to €1000 and community service penalties imposed on them following their alleged homophobic abuse of a college lecturer on Facebook.
The lecturer in the college had to struggle with her employer for action to be taken in response to homophobic abuse posted on a Facebook page associated with the institution.
The worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, became aware of the abusive posts when she received a letter from a student at the end of May this year.
Five students at a Dublin third level college have had fines of up to €1000 and community service penalties imposed on them following their alleged homophobic abuse of a college lecturer on Facebook.
The lecturer in the college had to struggle with her employer for action to be taken in response to homophobic abuse posted on a Facebook page associated with the institution.
The worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, became aware of the abusive posts when she received a letter from a student at the end of May this year.
In the letter the student expressed concerns about the nature of comments on a Facebook page which had been established by student representatives to discuss matters of interest to a particular class of students. The name of the Facebook page featured the title of the third level institution.
The letter contained a screen grab of the Facebook page and informed the lecturer that a group of students had been posting abusive comments directed at her for several weeks.
The lecturer said: “The postings made me feel sick.”
It was however the failure of university management to take appropriate action against the perpetrators of the abuse which upset the worker most.
“The day after I received the letter I contacted management. The Equality Officer informed me that the students responsible would have to undertake a homophobic project with me supervising it. I, of course, told them this would not be appropriate.”
When the lecturer attempted to transfer her correction responsibilities for papers submitted by the students involved in the Facebook abuse, management let it be known that she would be disciplined if she did not carry out the work.
The worker contacted her SIPTU Organiser and eventually in September disciplinary action was taken against some of the students involved. However, the worker was not kept informed of the process, with no contact on the issue from the institution’s Equality Officer from 25th May until 1st November.
On the 30th October the lecturer received a letter indicating that a financial and community service penalty, with fines up to €1000, had been imposed on five students and they were also to write a letter of apology.
SIPTU Education Sector Organiser, Louise O’Reilly said: “Incidents such as this must be treated seriously and dealt with speedily. The union is putting together an information pack to inform members how to deal with Internet abuse. We will also be putting pressure on the management of educational establishments to publicly adopt a zero tolerance approach to such incidents.”
Home Helps to march in Castlebar
SIPTU Home Helps and their supporters from across the west of Ireland will march on Sunday (25th November), in Castlebar to protest against cuts to Home Help services.
The workers will assemble in the Chapel Car Park, Chapel Street, at 1.30 p.m. and march to the market square.
SIPTU Organiser, Annette Carpenter, said: “Minister for Health, James Reilly, is cutting Home Help services by a further 600,000 hours to the detriment of clients in receipt of care and the workers whose hours and take home pay have been drastically cut.”
SIPTU Home Helps and their supporters from across the west of Ireland will march on Sunday (25th November), in Castlebar to protest against cuts to Home Help services.
The workers will assemble in the Chapel Car Park, Chapel Street, at 1.30 p.m. and march to the market square.
SIPTU Organiser, Annette Carpenter, said: “Minister for Health, James Reilly, is cutting Home Help services by a further 600,000 hours to the detriment of clients in receipt of care and the workers whose hours and take home pay have been drastically cut.”
She added: “We are calling on all Home Helps, their clients and their families, as well as the public, throughout the western counties of Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Donegal to join the march. They will be sending a clear message to the HSE and the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, in his home town, that these cuts must be reversed.”
Mayo Home Help, Caroline Colleran, from Ardkill, Kilmaine, said: “It’s very important to receive the support of local communities for this march. These cuts are hurting the most vulnerable people in our society. It’s time for us to stand together and say enough is enough.”
Donegal Home Helps to march in Castlebar on Sunday
SIPTU Home Helps and their supporters from Donegal and across the west of Ireland will march on Sunday, 25th November, in Castlebar to protest against cuts to Home Help services. The workers will assemble in the Chapel car park, Chapel Street, at 1.30 p.m. and march to the market square.
SIPTU Organiser, Martin O’Rourke said: “We are calling on Home Help workers, their families and supporters throughout Donegal to join the march and send a clear message to the HSE that these cuts must be reversed. Already this year 500,000 hours have been taken out of the home help service and care workers and their clients are suffering. The plan to implement a further cut of 600,000 hours is bad for workers and bad for clients.
SIPTU Home Helps and their supporters from Donegal and across the west of Ireland will march on Sunday, 25th November, in Castlebar to protest against cuts to Home Help services. The workers will assemble in the Chapel car park, Chapel Street, at 1.30 p.m. and march to the market square.
SIPTU Organiser, Martin O’Rourke said: “We are calling on Home Help workers, their families and supporters throughout Donegal to join the march and send a clear message to the HSE that these cuts must be reversed. Already this year 500,000 hours have been taken out of the home help service and care workers and their clients are suffering. The plan to implement a further cut of 600,000 hours is bad for workers and bad for clients.
“Home Help workers enable people to live at home with dignity, respect and compassion. Cuts to this service will not save money but will instead have an expensive knock on effect on the HSE as many elderly clients will instead need to be cared for in nursing homes or hospitals instead of in the safety and comfort of their own homes.”
The campaign has already received the backing of Donegal County Council which has unanimously passed a motion calling on the “HSE to reverse its decision to reduce the allocation of Home-Help hours.”
Donegal Home Help Kathleen McGlynn from the Finn Valley, said: “My life’s work has been giving older people the dignity we would all like to receive. As a result of the cuts it is becoming ever more difficult to provide necessary care to them. It’s very important to receive the support of our local communities for this march. We need to send a very clear message that these cuts are hurting the most vulnerable people in our society and must be reversed so that people like me are able to help our older people remain in their own homes.”
SIPTU and INMO condemn closure of Rickard House in Blackrock
SIPTU and the INMO have condemned the announcement by the Daughters of Charity that the Order intends to close Rickard House in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, with the loss of 45 jobs.
The facility provides care to 27 retired members of the Daughters of Charity.
SIPTU and the INMO have condemned the announcement by the Daughters of Charity that the Order intends to close Rickard House in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, with the loss of 45 jobs.
The facility provides care to 27 retired members of the Daughters of Charity.
SIPTU Organiser, David Field, said: “The Order notified union members of the proposed job losses at a general meeting on Monday (19th November). The need for investment to keep Rickard House up to standard and other costs were cited as the reason for the closure.
“Both unions had an initial engagement with the Order, following the announcement, which was aimed at exploring ways to keep the facility open and preserve employment.”
Newpark Hotel Kilkenny
SIPTU President condemns Israeli attacks on Gaza
The Israeli government has once again abused its overwhelming military superiority in its latest assault on the people of Gaza, SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor has said. While he welcomed the ceasefire announced on Wednesday (21st November) he said;
“Over recent days, there has been a complete disregard by the government and defence forces of Israel for civilian life in the Gaza strip where the people are already suffering intolerably from an unjust economic blockade.
The Israeli government has once again abused its overwhelming military superiority in its latest assault on the people of Gaza, SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor has said. While he welcomed the ceasefire announced on Wednesday (21st November) he said;
“Over recent days, there has been a complete disregard by the government and defence forces of Israel for civilian life in the Gaza strip where the people are already suffering intolerably from an unjust economic blockade.
“Similar to the invasion of four years ago when 1400 Palestinians, including 300 children, were killed it is surely no coincidence that this latest assault on Gaza takes place just weeks in advance of a general election in Israel. Whatever the motivation, there can be no justification for the manner in which the Israeli government and military forces have abused their overwhelming superior power against the people of Gaza.
“While we respect the right of the Palestinian people to assert their national rights we do not agree with launching rockets into Israel that can kill and injure civilians."
SIPTU disappointed at An Bord Pleanála's decision to refuse planning permission for re-development of Liberty Hall
SIPTU has expressed its deep disappointment at An Bord Pleanála’s decision on Friday (16th November) to refuse planning permission for the redevelopment of Liberty Hall.
“The union, our architects and professional advisors have put five years hard work into this project including an enormous amount of consultation with Dublin City Council, our members and other key stakeholders including the local community and their public representatives. Given that the City Council saw fit earlier this year to grant us planning permission for the redevelopment of Liberty Hall we are extremely disappointed that this decision has now been overturned by An Bord Pleanála,” SIPTU’s General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn said.
SIPTU has expressed its deep disappointment at An Bord Pleanála’s decision on Friday (16th November) to refuse planning permission for the redevelopment of Liberty Hall.
“The union, our architects and professional advisors have put five years hard work into this project including an enormous amount of consultation with Dublin City Council, our members and other key stakeholders including the local community and their public representatives. Given that the City Council saw fit earlier this year to grant us planning permission for the redevelopment of Liberty Hall we are extremely disappointed that this decision has now been overturned by An Bord Pleanála,” SIPTU’s General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn said.
O’Flynn concluded by saying that the union and its professional advisors will be studying the detail of An Bord Pleanála’s decision and the Inspector’s report carefully days and will not be making any further public comment on the matter for the time being.
Newbridge Silverware
SIPTU members accept mediation proposals in Aer Lingus/DAA pension scheme crisis
SIPTU members at Aer Lingus decided to call off industrial action planned for Monday (19th November) and enter discussions on a resolution to the crisis in the Aer Lingus/Dublin Airport Authority pension scheme after receiving clarification of mediation proposals by IBEC and the ICTU.
Speaking after a meeting of union representatives at the airport on Wednesday (14th November), SIPTU Sector Organiser, Dermot O’Loughlin, said that the meeting of the Industrial Action Committee had discussed clarifications and assurances obtained from ICTU and IBEC on their recent mediation proposals.
SIPTU members at Aer Lingus decided to call off industrial action planned for Monday (19th November) and enter discussions on a resolution to the crisis in the Aer Lingus/Dublin Airport Authority pension scheme after receiving clarification of mediation proposals by IBEC and the ICTU.
Speaking after a meeting of union representatives at the airport on Wednesday (14th November), SIPTU Sector Organiser, Dermot O’Loughlin, said that the meeting of the Industrial Action Committee had discussed clarifications and assurances obtained from ICTU and IBEC on their recent mediation proposals.
“The Committee discussed, in detail, the clarifications and other assurances the Union has received. On foot of this information the Committee decided by a majority vote that it will be accepting the mediation proposal and has called off industrial action planned for next week.
“The committee is determined that it will not engage in any resolution to the current crisis in the pension scheme at Aer Lingus and the DAA that involves our members being forced to accept productivity measures in return for their pension entitlements.”
Car dealer ordered to pay €72,000 over unfair dismissal
A company owned by 'motivation' speaker and entrepreneur, Brian Mordaunt, was ordered to pay €72,000 to a former employee over its "wholly unacceptable" treatment of her during her pregnancy.
The Employment Appeals Tribunal said it was reasonable that the claimant, Jennifer Beary of Kilsheelan, Co. Tipperary, had left her job at the car dealership in light of the treatment she had received at the hands of her employer.
A company owned by 'motivation' speaker and entrepreneur, Brian Mordaunt, was ordered to pay €72,000 to a former employee over its "wholly unacceptable" treatment of her during her pregnancy.
The Employment Appeals Tribunal said it was reasonable that the claimant, Jennifer Beary of Kilsheelan, Co. Tipperary, had left her job at the car dealership in light of the treatment she had received at the hands of her employer.
The company failed to appear at a public hearing of the unfair dismissal case held in Clonmel during October, despite being formally notified of the date.
The tribunal said Beary was treated in a wholly unacceptable manner in relation to her pregnancy and statutory maternity entitlements.
Beary gave evidence that while she was in hospital in May 2010 due to a serious bleed, she was inundated with texts and emails from her employer. On being discharged, she was collected from hospital and brought directly to her workplace.
After returning to work following the stillbirth of her baby in July 2010, Beary was subjected to unacceptable comments and treatment described as "indecent".
Mordaunt also insisted she return to work within a fortnight after the baby’s death on the understanding that it would be on a part-time basis until she felt able to cope. However, a week later the company terminated such an arrangement and demanded she return on a full-time basis.
The Tribunal noted that mothers of stillborn babies delivered after the 24th week of pregnancy are entitled to 18 weeks’ maternity leave.
Mordaunt, is a motivational speaker and author of Shepherd’s Pie, which detailed “the painful account” of the company’s financial struggles during the recession. The tribunal found Beary was unfairly dismissed by Mordaunt based on her uncontested evidence.
The Employment Appeals Tribunal heard evidence that Brian Mordaunt and Sons, based at Davis Rd, Clonmel, had asked the claimant to compromise her professional ethics over the treatment of VAT liabilities on repossessed vehicles.
Irish Examiner (17th November)
Older and Bolder say 'No' to any more cuts
From your calls and enquiries, we know that some of you are interested in participating in a street demonstration to say ‘No’ to any more cuts to services and supports for older people in the upcoming Budget.
The Dublin Council of Trade Unions is organising a pre-Budget demonstration in Dublin on Saturday, November 24th. The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, a member of the Older and Bolder alliance, will be taking part in the demonstration. If you want to join the demonstration, you can link up with the group from the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament who will be gathering in:
Cathal Brugha St., Dublin 1 at 12.45 p.m. on Saturday, November 24th.
From your calls and enquiries, we know that some of you are interested in participating in a street demonstration to say ‘No’ to any more cuts to services and supports for older people in the upcoming Budget.
The Dublin Council of Trade Unions is organising a pre-Budget demonstration in Dublin on Saturday, November 24th. The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP), a member of the Older and Bolder alliance, will be taking part in the demonstration. If you want to join the demonstration, you can link up with the group from the ISCP who will be gathering in:
Cathal Brugha St., Dublin 1 at 12.45 p.m. on Saturday, November 24th.
ISCP are adopting the theme “More than 50 Shades of Grey and Green” and are inviting participants to dress in shades of grey with a sprig of green and a pair of sunglasses (shades)!
If you would like more information, please contact Ms. Mairead Hayes, CEO, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, tel. 01-8561243 or email info@seniors.ie. Website: www.seniors.ie.
Liberty Hall bombing wreath laying
Forty years have passed since the dark winter evening of 1st December, 1972, when the first ever car bomb exploded in the Republic of Ireland.
It occurred beside Liberty Hall, where the ITGWU (now SIPTU) has its headquarters. There were no fatalities but the explosion caused many injuries.
Forty years have passed since the dark winter evening of 1st December, 1972, when the first ever car bomb exploded in the Republic of Ireland.
It occurred beside Liberty Hall, where the ITGWU (now SIPTU) has its headquarters. There were no fatalities but the explosion caused many injuries.
Several minutes later, a second blast at Sackville Place, off O’Connell Street, killed bus driver George Bradshaw, 29, and 23-year-old bus conductor Tommy Duffy.
Both were married. George and his wife Kathleen had two young children. Tommy and his wife Monica had a daughter. Monica was also pregnant with their second child.
Three minutes before the first bomb exploded, the Belfast Newsletter received an anonymous telephone warning that bombs planted at Liberty Hall and behind Clery’s would explode at 8.05 p.m. The person who received the warning said the caller had spoken with a “Belfast English-type accent”. However, the warnings came too late and the result was devastating, two men dead and 127 people injured. Damage to property was extensive.
Although it was a Friday evening the Dáil was in session at Leinster House. A bill to amend the Offences Against the State Act was being debated and a defeat for the Fianna Fáil Government seemed inevitable as Opposition parties and some members of the Government were opposing it on civil liberties’ grounds. The amendment would admit the opinion of a senior Garda officer as evidence of an accused person’s membership of the IRA.
However, the bomb explosions changed the course of Irish history. When the vote was taken after an adjournment Fine Gael abstained allowing the amendment to be passed.
Early investigations centred around four cars. One car containing the owner’s driving licence had been stolen four months before in Ballymoney, county Antrim.
The stolen licence of Englishman Joseph Fleming was used to hire three cars from different Belfast companies on 30th November by a man with an English accent. Two of the hired cars exploded at Liberty Hall and Sackville Place. Both these vehicles were already in Dublin on the evening of 30th November, according to a number of eyewitnesses.
The Gardaí were very pro-active in the early days of the investigation, travelling to Belfast and London to retrieve hire agreement documents and interviewing witnesses.
Although the RUC were relatively helpful, the Garda report comments that RUC officers would not permit them to interview some persons “for reasons best known to themselves”. Despite a promising start, the Garda enquiries led nowhere.
A fortnight after the bombings, two significant, but ostensibly unconnected, arrests were made in Dublin hotels on 18th and 19th December. British agent John Wyman was arrested at the West County Hotel, Chapelizod, on the 18th.
The following day Gardaí apprehended Detective Sergeant Patrick Crinnion, Crime and Security Branch, Garda Síochána, at the Burlington, where he was attempting to rendezvous with his handler. View or download the full story here
Making Jobs work for Women
The planned changes to the social welfare system in the upcoming budget will lock women in a triple burden of care, domestic work and precarious employment if their needs are not addressed, a new report by the National Women’s Council and SIPTU shows. Joan Burton TD, Minister for Social Protection will launch the research study “Careless to Careful Activation: Making Activation Work For Women” on Thursday (2nd November).
Pictured at the launch of the Report are (l-r): Orla O'Connor, Mary Murphy, Ethel Buckley and Suzanne Griffin.
The planned changes to the social welfare system in the upcoming budget will lock women in a triple burden of care, domestic work and precarious employment if their needs are not addressed, a new report by the National Women’s Council and SIPTU shows. Joan Burton TD, Minister for Social Protection will launch the research study “Careless to Careful Activation: Making Activation Work For Women” on Thursday (22nd November).
Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland, said:
“Women need flexibility and support to take up work. For many women the lack of affordable childcare and inflexible working arrangements are key barriers to employment. The planned changes in the social welfare system will only increase the pressure on women and must be halted. We need to design a social welfare system that tackles these barriers and supports women on their pathway into employment.”
Dr Mary Murphy, NUI Maynooth, who conducted the research said:
“Currently women are forced into full time poorly paid jobs which locks them into a triple burden of care, domestic work and precarious employment. Any social contract between claimants and the State needs to be embedded in an ethic of care that recognises the right to work part time and regulates against poor quality and precarious work.”
She added,
“The research is clear. Most countries facilitate primary carers to work part time and also exempt those with specific care obligations from the labour market. In the longer term many of these families will benefit from an ‘education first’ rather than a ‘work first’ strategy.”
Ethel Buckley, National Campaigns and Equality Officer with SIPTU said,
“The ultimate goal of labour market activation is employment. The quality of employment into which workers are activated is critical. The evidence is that low paid employment traps workers, particularly women, in precarious jobs driving them into poverty – the working poor. What we need to ensure is that workers are activated into decent work: work that is productive, secure and delivers a reasonable standard of living.”
The report “Careless to Careful Activation: Making Activation Work For Women” was funded by the Equality Authority. It recommends that the new Intreo service adopts a woman-friendly model of labour market activation that provides flexible support and training to women to move on to long term employment.
LIBERTY VIEW
Join protest for jobs and growth
Threatened cuts to public services in the forthcoming budget should motivate those who have witnessed the impact of previous slash and burn remedies on the most vulnerable in our communities to join the protest organised by the Dublin Council of Trade Unions on Saturday (24th November).
SIPTU members in the community and voluntary and health sectors, in particular, have organised for a big turn-out for the pre-Budget protest in order to demonstrate that alternatives to the current one-sided austerity approach are both feasible and necessary as outlined in the detailed strategies for jobs and growth advocated by SIPTU and Congress over many months.
Threatened cuts to public services in the forthcoming budget should motivate those who have witnessed the impact of previous slash and burn remedies on the most vulnerable in our communities to join the protest organised by the Dublin Council of Trade Unions on Saturday (24th November).
SIPTU members in the community and voluntary and health sectors, in particular, have organised for a big turn-out for the pre-Budget protest in order to demonstrate that alternatives to the current one-sided austerity approach are both feasible and necessary as outlined in the detailed strategies for jobs and growth advocated by SIPTU and Congress over many months.
Beyond these sectors, there are many thousands of people who have lost their jobs, seen a dramatic reduction in their incomes, watched their children emigrate for a better life or their family, friends and neighbours suffer from the severe cuts to public services who should also join the protest.
The rich and wealthy including the bankers that helped create the crisis have walked away virtually unscathed, and in many cases with bloated salaries and other benefits, from the pain induced by the crisis and the Troika imposed ‘adjustment’ programme.
Join the march on Saturday and add your voice to the demand that the Government adopts a New Course for jobs and growth and taxes the greedy – not the needy.
ECONOMY
Freeze Austerity as part of Blueprint for Recovery
Congress General Secretary David Begg said the Government should freeze all austerity measures ‘for at least 12 months’, as part of a new Blueprint for Recovery designed to stimulate growth and create new jobs.
Addressing the TEEU conference in Portlaoise on Friday (16th November), Begg said: “If we were wise we would put a hold on austerity measures for at least this year to allow some growth back into the economy.”
Congress General Secretary David Begg said the Government should freeze all austerity measures ‘for at least 12 months’, as part of a new Blueprint for Recovery designed to stimulate growth and create new jobs.
Addressing the TEEU conference in Portlaoise on Friday (16th November), Begg said: “If we were wise we would put a hold on austerity measures for at least this year to allow some growth back into the economy.”
We would make saving and creating jobs, and growing the economy, a government priority
We would make a €3.5 billion adjustment and reduce the deficit to 7.5%
We would protect the tax rate and bands of all those earning below €100k
We would increase tax on those earning over €100k
We would not support the government’s proposed property tax
We would ask the very wealthy to contribute a special 1% tax
We would protect Child Benefit
We would end waste in public spending
We would protect health, education, vital frontline services and welfare payments
We would halt the flow of taxpayers’ money into banks
We would work for an all-island solution to the economic crisis
In our alternative budget, we will show how the exchequer deficit can be tackled in 2013 without targeting families and public services or preventing the creation of jobs.
Budget 2013 is about choices
These are our choices:
We would make saving and creating jobs, and growing the economy, a government priority
We would make a €3.5 billion adjustment and reduce the deficit to 7.5%
We would protect the tax rate and bands of all those earning below €100k
We would increase tax on those earning over €100k
We would not support the government’s proposed property tax
We would ask the very wealthy to contribute a special 1% tax
We would protect Child Benefit
We would end waste in public spending
We would protect health, education, vital frontline services and welfare payments
We would halt the flow of taxpayers’ money into banks
We would work for an all-island solution to the economic crisis
In our alternative budget, we will show how the exchequer deficit can be tackled in 2013 without targeting families and public services or preventing the creation of jobs.
Global Labour Column – Collective Bargaining or Collective Begging?
A case of the public sector in Zimbabwe
In this week’s article, Taurai Mereki analyses the state of collective bargaining in the public sector in Zimbabwe. Using different examples of state-owned enterprises, Mereki argues that while collective bargaining is provided for in labour legislation, certain contradictory factors such as the Labour Minister’s powers to register (or not) Collective Bargaining Agreements leads to restrictions to workers’ bargaining power. Taurai Mereki is the Vice President of the Communication and Allied Services Workers Union of Zimbabwe. He is also an alumnus of the Global Labour University programme at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
A case of the public sector in Zimbabwe
In this week’s article, Taurai Mereki analyses the state of collective bargaining in the public sector in Zimbabwe. Using different examples of state-owned enterprises, Mereki argues that while collective bargaining is provided for in labour legislation, certain contradictory factors such as the Labour Minister’s powers to register (or not) Collective Bargaining Agreements leads to restrictions to workers’ bargaining power. Taurai Mereki is the Vice President of the Communication and Allied Services Workers Union of Zimbabwe. He is also an alumnus of the Global Labour University programme at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
We encourage you to make comments at the end of the article.
*Announcements*
IIPPE conference: The International Initiative for Promoting Political Economy (IIPPE) is accepting abstracts for its Fourth International Conference in Political Economy on 9-11 July 2013. The theme for next year’s conference is “Political Economy, Activism and Alternative Economic Strategies”. The conference will be held at the International Institute for Social Studies at The Hague. The deadline for abstract submissions is 15 February 2013. For more details please visit the following link: http://www.iippe.org/wiki/Fourth_International_Conference_in_Political_Economy
ENGAGE programme:The Global Labour University invites trade unionists to apply for its ENGAGE programme. The 6-month program focuses on the challenges of labour policies and globalisation, particularly wage policies, international labour standards, corporate campaigns and strategic corporate research. The course consists of a 3-month university program and a 10-week practical implementation phase to develop practical policy initiatives. It offers trade unionists an opportunity to engage with an international group of students and get new insights on trade union strategies to meet the challenges of globalisation. The course starts on 15 May 2013. The deadline for applications is the 15 December 2012. For application details and forms see http://www.global-labour-university.org/216.html. A number of scholarships are offered by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Nicolas and Phumzile GlC Editors
News2
Call for legislation to make all pension charges transparent
Workers are still finding it impossible to access all the costs involved in funding their pensions because pension providers are not legally obliged to disclose charges, Rachael Ryan of SIPTU’s Legal Department told the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) conference in Portlaoise on Friday (16th November).
“Union members in Defined Benefit schemes are generally better off on every level “, she said. “They tend to be the larger companies and trustees have more control. But every day I am dealing with members who send in statements to me with no details of the charges. These can account to as much as 52% of funds that range from investment fund charges, to administration fees, and consultancy fees to charges for annual reports.
Workers are still finding it impossible to access all the costs involved in funding their pensions because pension providers are not legally obliged to disclose charges, Rachael Ryan of SIPTU’s Legal Department told the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) conference in Portlaoise on Friday (16th November).
“Union members in Defined Benefit schemes are generally better off on every level “, she said. “They tend to be the larger companies and trustees have more control. But every day I am dealing with members who send in statements to me with no details of the charges. These can account to as much as 52% of funds that range from investment fund charges, to administration fees, and consultancy fees to charges for annual reports.
“We have been calling for legislation to make full disclosure of fees compulsory for years and with the mounting unease over abuse of schemes it is long past time for the Government to act.”
One TEEU member said a third of his father’s pension contributions had been deducted in fees and it had proven impossible to obtain the details.
Pensions Ombudsman Paul Kenny told the conference that the recent report by the Department of Social Protection into the industry had shown the costs had fallen hardest on those in small Direct Contribution schemes. If people left an employment then the charges would continue to eat into their funds.
When funds were increasing in value this did not matter, but during the present economic crisis, when values were falling, the charges were taking an increasing slice of the clients’ investment. Nor was there any incentive for brokers to transfer clients into a better scheme, especially if it could affect their own commission.
He said accountants were not allowed to charge commission for their services but he had come across a case where commission had been awarded to a company run by the accountant’s wife. He described such behaviour “immoral and disgraceful”. The basic lesson for people was to constantly review their policy.
Don't Be Afraid to Call If You Are Afraid of Someone Close
Women's Aid has marked the 20th year of its National Freephone Helpline by launching its new 'Don't Be Afraid' national public awareness advertising campaign. The campaign encourages women living with domestic abuse to speak up and to call the Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900.
Women's Aid has marked the 20th year of its National Freephone Helpline by launching its new 'Don't Be Afraid' national public awareness advertising campaign. The campaign encourages women living with domestic abuse to speak up and to call the Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900.
One in five women in Ireland is affected by domestic abuse but a third of those will never tell anyone what is happening to them. We understand that it is difficult for women experiencing domestic abuse to talk about what is happening. Many women are afraid that they will not be believed or that they will blamed for the abuse. Others struggle to find the words to describe their situation. All too often, women feel alone and isolated, unaware that help is available or unable to make sense of what is being done to them.
Women's Aid hopes that the 'Don't Be Afraid' campaign will show women that they do not have to suffer domestic abuse in silence.
New study reveals 40% of Migrant Care Workers feel discriminated against
A new study carried out by Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) has identified that 40% of migrant care workers experience discrimination in their workplace. The study, which was discussed at a seminar in Dublin on Monday (19th November), also points to worrying levels of non-compliance with basic employment law.
120 care workers participated in the report from over 11 different national and ethnic origins. The discrimination identified included racial abuse, unfair allocation of tasks and jobs, and not being allowed to join a trade union. Anele Jakiel a care worker stated “if you speak out as a migrant worker about poor conditions you are sometimes told to go back to your home country or join the dole queue. This leaves us with very little choice but to put up with poor conditions of employment”
A new study carried out by Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) has identified that 40% of migrant care workers experience discrimination in their workplace. The study, which was discussed at a seminar in Dublin on Monday (19th November), also points to worrying levels of non-compliance with basic employment law.
120 care workers participated in the report from over 11 different national and ethnic origins. The discrimination identified included racial abuse, unfair allocation of tasks and jobs, and not being allowed to join a trade union. Anele Jakiel a care worker stated “if you speak out as a migrant worker about poor conditions you are sometimes told to go back to your home country or join the dole queue. This leaves us with very little choice but to put up with poor conditions of employment”
Care workers who contributed to the report were worried about standards and conditions for both those receiving care and support, as well as for care workers. Gráinne O’Toole who conducted the research said, “There is a real danger that without robust regulation and monitoring, including employment rights, the risk of abuse and neglect is high. She went on to say, “care work is one of the most important jobs in our society, yet the evidence shows that those who carry out this valuable work face unacceptable levels of exploitation and discrimination.”
Siobhán O’Donoghue of MRCI said, “There is a remarkable level of confusion and ambiguity surrounding the provision of paid care work in Ireland. Experience points to very real dangers and shortfalls in relation to upholding the human rights and dignity of both the recipients and providers of care. We need to be vigilant and proactive to avoid a race to the bottom in what is one of the most important areas of work in our society.”
EESC meets amid Union Day of Action in Brussels
By Manus O'Riordan, EESC Workers’ Group
The European Economic & Social Committee’s plenary meeting in Brussels on 14th and 15th November coincided on its first day with the Belgian unions’ day of action against austerity. Accordingly, our EESC Workers’ Group meeting was adjourned so that we could join the protest outside the European Commission headquarters. Stirring speeches in both French and Flemish were delivered by leaders of the various Belgian Union Confederations, as well by the ETUC General Secretary. Particularly noteworthy at this demonstration was the strong Spanish union presence from both the Comisiones Obreras and the UGT, many carrying Spanish Republican flags, an indication of the deep divisions opening up in Spanish society as a consequence of relentlessly vicious austerity.
By Manus O'Riordan, EESC Workers’ Group
The European Economic & Social Committee’s plenary meeting in Brussels on 14th and 15th November coincided on its first day with the Belgian unions’ day of action against austerity. Accordingly, our EESC Workers’ Group meeting was adjourned so that we could join the protest outside the European Commission headquarters. Stirring speeches in both French and Flemish were delivered by leaders of the various Belgian Union Confederations, as well by the ETUC General Secretary. Particularly noteworthy at this demonstration was the strong Spanish union presence from both the Comisiones Obreras and the UGT, many carrying Spanish Republican flags, an indication of the deep divisions opening up in Spanish society as a consequence of relentlessly vicious austerity.
The proceedings of the EESC plenary meeting itself had both positive and negative outcomes. An excellent opinion on job-rich recovery, drafted by the German trade unionist and Head of the DGB’s European Policy Department, Gabriele Bischoff, was almost unanimously adopted. It recognised that while “employment policy cannot compensate for mismanagement of macroeconomic policy, it can make a real contribution to boosting competitiveness in knowledge-based societies, by strengthening innovation capacity, and achieving a better balance between demand for, and supply of, skills.” It warned: “Persistently high youth unemployment in the EU is especially worrying. It stands at more than 22%. Here, too, there are big differences between the Member States. In Spain and Greece it is over 50%; in some Member States (Portugal, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Italy and Ireland), it is around 30%. Only in three Member States (Germany, Austria and the Netherlands) is it below 10%.”
In line with demands also articulated by our own ICTU, the opinion further called for the State to act as an employer of last resort: “The EESC recommends that the Member States pay particular attention to setting up an inclusive intermediate labour market in which public resources create an appropriate number of suitable jobs to ensure that the long-term unemployed remain in touch with the world of work and improve their knowledge. This will prevent poverty caused by loss of contact with the labour market from increasing and enable these people to make a smooth transition into the open labour market once the crisis is over.” It went on to emphasise the role of public investment programmes: “Growth and employment policy cannot be viewed in isolation from one another. That is why the Committee has repeatedly called for a European stimulus package with a comprehensive impact on labour market policy, amounting to 2% of GDP… Alongside additional national investments to boost the impact on employment, which should be implemented in a coordinated fashion, European investment projects must also be identified… There should be a special focus on securing labour market transitions, particularly during restructuring processes.”
"Even the Rain" to be screened on BBC4 on Sunday, 25th November at 10 p.m.
For those who missed the Bolivian Information Forum (BIF) Special Preview Screening of "Even the Rain" earlier this year, the film will be broadcast on BBC4 this Sunday, 25th November at 10 p.m.
Brief Description: Even the Rain is an insightful, fascinating film within a film, powerful and rich with symbolism, highlighting the ongoing struggles and cycle of exploitation of the South American indigenous peoples 500 years after Columbus’s conquest. Starring Gael Garcia Bernal (The Motorcylce Diaries, Amores Perros) and Luis Tosar (2 times winner of Best Actor at the Goya awards) and written by award-winning screenwriter Paul Laverty (Sweet Sixteen, The Wind that Shakes the Barley), the film is a heady mix of politics, religion, art and history. Even the Rain features outstanding performances from Bernal, Tosar and notably Juan Carlos Aduviri, an indigenous Bolivian actor who was nominated for a Goya for his role.
For those who missed the Bolivian Information Forum (BIF) Special Preview Screening of "Even the Rain" earlier this year, the film will be broadcast on BBC4 this Sunday, 25th November at 10 p.m.
Brief Description: Even the Rain is an insightful, fascinating film within a film, powerful and rich with symbolism, highlighting the ongoing struggles and cycle of exploitation of the South American indigenous peoples 500 years after Columbus’s conquest. Starring Gael Garcia Bernal (The Motorcylce Diaries, Amores Perros) and Luis Tosar (2 times winner of Best Actor at the Goya awards) and written by award-winning screenwriter Paul Laverty (Sweet Sixteen, The Wind that Shakes the Barley), the film is a heady mix of politics, religion, art and history. Even the Rain features outstanding performances from Bernal, Tosar and notably Juan Carlos Aduviri, an indigenous Bolivian actor who was nominated for a Goya for his role.
Justice for Colombia Delegation Huge Success
On Saturday (10th November), a JFC organised delegation of senior politicians and trade union leaders from Northern Ireland arrived back after 6 days in Colombia. The group, including representatives from the DUP, UUP, Sinn Féin, SDLP parties and trade unions spent the week meeting with victims groups, trade unions, politicians from all parties, former FARC hostages, prisoners and hearing testimony from peasant farmers, indigenous and afrocolombians in Cauca region – described as the epicentre of the Colombian conflict.
On Saturday (10th November), a JFC organised delegation of senior politicians and trade union leaders from Northern Ireland arrived back after 6 days in Colombia. The group, including representatives from the DUP, UUP, Sinn Féin, SDLP parties and trade unions spent the week meeting with victims groups, trade unions, politicians from all parties, former FARC hostages, prisoners and hearing testimony from peasant farmers, indigenous and afrocolombians in Cauca region – described as the epicentre of the Colombian conflict.
"As part of the preparation for the centenary of the 1916 rising the National Graves Association has made a commitment to refurbish the 1916 monument at the St. Paul’s section of Glasnevin Cemetery. We need to raise in excess of €100,000 to complete this project before 2016. Renowned Irish artist, Robert Ballagh enthusiastically agreed to help with the fund raising effort by producing an appropriate work of art. He decided to rework in his own style, the iconic image “Birth of the Irish Republic” by Walter Paget and produce limited edition prints. The prints will be limited to 300 copies only, signed and numbered by Robert Ballagh. The cost of each print is €350 plus €10 p&p within Ireland, to order a copy please contact Aidan Lambert 087-6202680, donations@nga.ie or Matt Doyle 087-2282033, matt@nga.ie.
Dear Editor,
"As part of the preparation for the centenary of the 1916 rising the National Graves Association has made a commitment to refurbish the 1916 monument at the St. Paul’s section of Glasnevin Cemetery. We need to raise in excess of €100,000 to complete this project before 2016. Renowned Irish artist, Robert Ballagh enthusiastically agreed to help with the fund raising effort by producing an appropriate work of art. He decided to rework in his own style, the iconic image “Birth of the Irish Republic” by Walter Paget and produce limited edition prints. The prints will be limited to 300 copies only, signed and numbered by Robert Ballagh. The cost of each print is €350 plus €10 p&p within Ireland, to order a copy please contact Aidan Lambert 087-6202680, donations@nga.ie or Matt Doyle 087-2282033, matt@nga.ie.
The National Graves Association (N.G.A) was formed in 1926 and the first meeting of the association was presided over by Mrs Kathleen Clarke, widow of the executed 1916 leader Thomas J. Clarke. Other committee members were veterans of the Fenian movement and of the 1916 Rising.
The first memorial at St. Paul’s, erected to the rank and file volunteers of 1916 was unveiled by Frank Ryan on the 31st March 1929. The inscription on that memorial erected by the N.G.A. represents the continuing work of the committee,
"TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY OF MEMBERS OF THE IRISH VOLUNTEERS AND IRISH CITIZENS ARMY WHO FELL FIGHTING FOR THE FREEDOM OF IRELAND EASTER 1916 WHOSE REMAINS ARE INTERRED IN THIS PLOT"
The names of the volunteers on the monument are Seán Hurley, Michael Mulvihill, Patrick O’Connor, Charles Carrigan, Gerald Keogh, Francis Macken, James Quinn, Patrick Shortis, Patrick O’Flanagan, Patrick Farrell, Charles Darcy, Louis Byrne, George Geoghegan, James McCormack, Fred Ryan and Eamonn Walsh."
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