Young workers’ protest against social welfare cuts at Dáil
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By Cat Finn, Young Workers’ Network
Over 150 young people protested outside the Dáil on Wednesday (16th October) against a Budget proposal to cut social welfare payments for under 26 year olds. The Government proposes to reduce jobseekers payments for all new claimants aged between 22 and 24 from €144 to €100 from 1st January 2014. For those aged 25 the reduction will be from €188 to €144.
The SIPTU supported Young Workers’ Network has stated that the proposal is a cynical attack on young people, whose lack of mobilisation to date makes them an easy target for cuts. The protest called for all young people to organise and fight back while also stressing the importance of solidarity with all vulnerable groups targeted in the budget.
Speakers at the demonstration included Dan O’Neill from the Young Workers’ Network, Moira Murphy from the “We’re Not Leaving” campaign group, John Buckley from SpunOut, Dave Gibney from ICTU Youth as well as speakers from the Y Factor (a National Women’s Council of Ireland youth initiative) and USI.The platform was also opened to young people attending the event to give their testimonials on the effect this cut would have on their ability to simply pay rent or buy food. Members of the Communications Workers’ Union, MANDATE, the National Youth Council of Ireland and Labour Youth were also in attendance. Young Workers’ Network spokesman, Dan O’Neill, 27, said: “This cut is part of a bigger scheme to force down the living conditions of all. Forced emigration, unemployment, precarious work, internships, fee hikes, grant cuts, lack of affordable housing, and the mental health crisis - they are part of the one picture for young people in this country. Young people need to come together to organise and build a decent future in our own country.” The Young Workers’ network will be hosting the “We’re not Leaving” Young People’s Assembly on the 9th of November in Liberty Hall. You can find out more about this event and the Young Workers Network at www.youngworkersnetwork.ie
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