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2006
Planned industrial action at L.M. Ericsson's called off
22.12.2006Planned industrial action at L.M. Ericsson’s - due to start from midnight on Christmas day - has been called off, after management conceded the right of workers to be represented by SIPTU. SIPTU Branch Organiser, Ethel Buckley welcomed the decision by management to accept a Labour Court Recommendation, issued last June which said the company should recognise the Union for the purposes of individual and collective representation.
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"It should never have come to this!" - response to ruling on Ryanair's bid to take over Aer Lingus
21.12.2006Responding to the European Commission's ruling that Ryanair's proposed €1.4bn takeover of Aer lingus would raise serious competition concerns, SIPTU's National Industrial Secretary, Michael Halpenny, said "it should never have come to this."
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Time for Government to stem tide of ruthlessness, murder and greed that dominates Irish society
14.12.2006The SIPTU national executive suspended its monthly meeting this morning to hold a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Alan Cunniffe, the Kilkenny post master and Anthony Campbell, the apprentice plumber, who were murdered by gunmen in recent days.
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Decision by BUPA to withdraw from Irish insurance market strongly condemned
14.12.2006The decision by BUPA Ireland to pull out of the Irish health insurance market because it has to make payments under the risk equalisation scheme, drew strong condemnation from SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn.
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Standards of care in private nursing homes need legislation now
11.12.2006“The Government needs to publish legislation immediately enshrining the highest possible levels of patient care in private nursing homes, following Mary Harney’s commitment on a fair deal for residents and their families,” declared SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn.
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Budget unnecessarily cautious
06.12.2006SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor said that “viewed in the context of its billing as the greatest give-away Budget ever and in the light of the abundance of resources available to the Minister for Finance, today’s package must be regarded as unnecessarily cautious.
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Budget miserly to mothers and children
06.12.2006Today’s Budget would be seen as “miserly to mothers and children, due to the Government’s failure to adequately increase child benefit, or extend it to all families, or raise the amount paid to most women on maternity leave,” according to National Equality Secretary, Rosheen Callender.
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Greencore workers face bleak Christmas
05.12.2006SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn said the management at Greencore are displaying a voracious appetite for greed by refusing to pay Union members their redundancy payments, while once again announcing record profits. “In the run-up to Christmas, the workers who helped to build and sustain the company through many years of loyal service are now surviving on unemployment benefit,” said Mr. O’Flynn.
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Job losses at Magna Donnelly a real blow to workers
01.12.2006The decision by Magna Donnelly’s Canadian parent company to close the plant in Naas, Co Kildare with the loss of 280 jobs comes as a real blow to workers at the plant, according to SIPTU Branch Organiser, Joan Wisdom.
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Proper funding of public nursing homes needed
30.11.2006"If the care and attention we bestow on our elderly citizens is a measure of the values we hold as a society, then the Government rate very poorly indeed,” said SIPTU General Secretary Joe O’Flynn. “It is 15 months since an independent inspectorate was promised in the wake of the Leas Cross scandal and we are still waiting."
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Ageism largest area of Equality Authority case work
30.11.2006“Ageism is deeply embedded in our common sense as a society," said Niall Crowley, Chief Executive Officer of the Equality Authority.
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Former Clubman Omega employees united in their fight for justice
27.11.2006Former employees of Clubman Omega have been picketing the company's premises in Lisfannon for 34 weeks over the refusal of management to pay them the terms of a redundancy package recommended by the Labour Court.
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Industrial action at Arnotts postponed
23.11.2006Industrial action by workers at Arnotts Department Store in Dublin – due to begin today, Thursday, November 23, 2006 – has been postponed.
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ESOT rejects Ryanair bid to take over Aer Lingus
22.11.2006SIPTU National Industrial Secretary, Michael Halpenny welcomed the result of the ballot in which 97% of ESOT members voted against Ryanair’s attempt to take over Aer Lingus.
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Greencore trying to use European money to fund property development
21.11.2006SIPTU National Industrial Secretary, Gerry McCormack has accused Greencore of trying to use a compensation package available from the European Union, to develop a €1.1 billion property site, while workers are still waiting to be paid their proper redundancy entitlements.
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SIPTU and Polish trade union Solidarnosc sign co-operation agreement
20.11.2006Mr Janusz Sniadek, President of Solidarnosc - the largest trade union in Poland - visited Liberty Hall on November 20, to meet the officers of SIPTU and to sign an agreement of co-operation between the two unions. Mr Sniadek was accompanied by the International Secretary of Solidarnosc, Mr Andrzej Adamczyk .
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Vigilance needed to ensure new labour standards implemented
17.11.2006“Vigilance is needed to ensure that the measures to enforce higher labour standards - agreed under the latest national agreement, Towards 2016 - are implemented in full.”
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Decentralisation - a political stroke
17.11.2006The Government’s decentralisation plans have proven to be a disaster, according to SIPTU Regional Secretary, Mike Jennings.
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Migrant workers treated as units of labour
17.11.2006Migrant workers continue to be treated like units of labour instead of people, said SIPTU Regional Secretary, Mike Jennings.
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Devastating blow to Rooskey as Glanbia announce job cuts
14.11.2006Up to 85 SIPTU members employed in Glanbia’s cannery in Rooskey, Co. Roscommon, will lose their jobs in January 2007, following management’s decision to close the plant.
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SIPTU serves notice of industrial action on Arnotts department store
09.11.2006SIPTU has served notice of industrial action on Arnotts Department Store, in Dublin’s Henry Street, in a dispute over relocation.
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European Unions back Greencore workers in their fight for fair compensation for job losses
07.11.2006The European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (EFFAT) passed a motion at their meeting in Madrid today, supporting over 300 Greencore workers in their claim on Greencore to pay a Labour Court redundancy award. It said the closedown of sugar production in Ireland “is taking place in shameful and unacceptable conditions”.
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Former Irish Sugar workers protest at Greencore head office
07.11.2006Redundant workers from the Irish Sugar Company mounted a protest at the head office of Greencore on Monday, November 6, 2006. The protest took place because Greencore had ignored a recommendation from the Labour Court awarding SIPTU and TEEU members significantly improved redundancy terms.
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SIPTU confirms withdrawal of €8 million fund from Bank of Ireland
26.10.2006SIPTU General Secretary Joe O’Flynn today confirmed that SIPTU has moved its contingency fund, worth over €8 million from the Bank of Ireland. It is now being handled by Irish Life and Permanent.
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Government must come clean on decentralisation of State agencies
27.10.2006The Government should call a halt to the decentralisation of State agencies before even more Exchequer funds are wasted on this ill-judged and unworkable scheme, according to SIPTU.
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Mushroom pickers victimised for trade union membership win €342,600 EAT awards
31.10.2006Cases won by SIPTU against mushroom farmer, Mr. Eamonn Murray, for non-compliance with employment law, have so far resulted in awards totalling €342,600.
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Enforcement of new labour standards vital before open border status extended to Romania or Bulgaira
24.10.2006Agreed new labour standards must be implemented and enforcement in place before open border status is extended to Romania or Bulgaria, according to SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor.
Otherwise Ireland will continue to witness the exploitation of vulnerable migrant labour to drive down pay levels and dismantle pensions, he said.
Read Full Story...Threat of industrial action at Greencore still on the agenda
20.10.2006“The threat of industrial action over severance terms for former Greencore employees is still very much on the agenda,” warned SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn.
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Trade Unions not opposed to change
19.10.2006“Trade unions are not opposed to change so long as it is negotiated change – but employees must change their attitude also,” said SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn.
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Time to transform Public Services
19.10.2006“The Government has sufficient money to begin the much needed transformation of our public services now.” This was the message to SIPTU delegates from the Union’s Dublin Regional President, Jack McGinley.
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SIPTU Benchmarking claim for improved pay and reduced hours for Nurses
16.10.2006“A significant improvement in pay and reduced hours is warranted in recognition of the increased professionalism of nursing within the health service,” declared SIPTU’s National Nursing Official, Miriam McCluskey.
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Aer Lingus workers picket Taoiseach's clinic
16.10.2006Aer Lingus workers are to picket St Luke’s, the constituency clinic of the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern in Drumcondra, Dublin, this evening from 5.30 pm until 6.30pm. During the picket workers will distribute a leaflet pointing out how the privatisation of Aer Lingus is bad for the consumer and bad for the worker and how the attempted take-over by Ryanair is down to Government ineptitude.
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Workers shocked as Microtherm announce liquidation
13.10.2006Thirty-four SIPTU members working in Microtherm Ltd., in Bruff, Co. Limerick were shocked to be told that the company was no longer trading and management were appointing a liquidator.
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Fianna Fail TDs go to ground over Aer Lingus privatisation
13.10.2006“Not one of the Fianna Fail TDs contacted by Aer Lingus workers over the past few days to seek support for blocking Ryanair’s predatory takeover of the national airline has responded with anything more helpful than an acknowledgement”, SIPTU National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny said today.
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SIPTU DUBLIN REGIONAL CONFERENCE
12.10.2006Almost 750 delegates will attend SIPTU’s Dublin Regional Conference starting on Thursday, October 19, at 1.00pm in the Concert Hall, RDS, Dublin and continuing on Friday October 20, 2004 at 9.30am until 2.00pm. The Dublin Region is the largest of the Union’s five regions with just over 75,000 members in both public and private sector employments.
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SIPTU’S SOUTH WEST REGIONAL CONFERENCE
12.10.2006Over 450 delegates from the South West will attend SIPTU’s Regional Conference starting on Friday, October 20, at 6.00pm in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney and continuing on Saturday October 21, 2006 at 9.30am until 5.00pm.
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Taoiseach's comments about health service employees a 'cheap shot' - Merrigan
12.10.2006SIPTU's National Industrial Secretary, Matt Merrigan described the Taoiseach's negative comments about health service employees as a 'cheap shot.'
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Government should buy back Aer Lingus Shares
10.10.2006SIPTU National Industrial Secretary, Michael Halpenny has called on the Government to buy back sufficient shares in Aer Lingus to prevent a predatory takeover by Ryanair. "There is no point in the Government standing by and wringing its hands, like bystanders at a mugging," he said.
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SIPTU condemns Bank of Ireland over pension scheme
05.10.2006SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn says his Union is extremely concerned at the actions of Bank of Ireland over their determination to close off their defined benefit pension scheme to new employees
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Union President says takeover of Aer Lingus will be bad for the country
05.10.2006“The threatened takeover of Aer Lingus by Ryanair vindicates SIPTU’s stand in opposing the privatisation of our national airline from the outset”, said SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor, in response to the announcement by Ryanair’s Chief Executive Michael O’Leary that his company had acquired over 16 per cent of Aer Lingus and was making a bid for total control.
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Agreed standards must be implemented before labour market expansion
03.10.2006SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor has today called on the Government to ensure that all of the elements of the labour standards protection measures agreed in the recently negotiated Towards 2016 agreement, have been put in place - and their effectiveness ensured - before extending free labour mobility to Romania and Bulgaria.
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SIPTU publishes unique 1916 pamphlet
10.10.2006A fascinating insight into the events of Easter Week 1916 – in the form of six witness statements from ordinary people who participated in them – is contained in a new publication by SIPTU to mark the ninetieth anniversary of the 1916 Rising.
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Union President calls for radical alliance to make life-long learning a reality for all
29.09.2006SIPTU President Jack O’Connor has called for a radical alliance to make life-long learning accessible to all. The recent colonisation of third level education by wealthy businessmen and corporations has created a real danger of some institutions and professions becoming the exclusive preserves of wealthy elites, he has told a human resources conference at NUI, Galway, on ‘An Bothar Romhainn: The Road Ahead’.
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Solidarnosc Trade Union President to address SIPTU Regional Conference
26.09.2006Mr Janusz Sniadek, President of the Polish trade union ‘Solidarnosc’, will visit Ireland in November 2006 at the invitation of Ireland’s largest trade union, SIPTU.
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Workers forced to lift pickets because of intimidation
26.09.2006SIPTU members on strike at the Maria Goretti Nursing Home in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, have been forced to lift their official pickets because of fear of intimidation, according to SIPTU Branch Organiser, Pat Condon.
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Unique Kennedy Awards for Health Sector Support Staff
25.09.2006For the first time ever, six prestigious John F Kennedy Junior Fellowship Awards are being awarded to Ireland under a unique tie-up between the SKILL Project in the Health Sector and the City University of New York.
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Braun job losses further blow to Carlow
16.09.2006The announcement by Braun Oral B of 97 redundancies affecting permanent workers and 60 temporary workers at the Carlow plant is a further blow to our members involved in manufacturing at Carlow. This is a worrying continuation of the trend in transferring long established Irish jobs to low wage economies, according to Michael Browne, local SIPTU Organiser.
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Serious deficits in aviation pensions
14.09.2006Employees of the Dublin Airport Authority and TEAM Aer Lingus (now known as SR Technics), past and present, will hear about the serious deficits in their pension scheme – the Irish Airlines(General Employees) Superannuation Scheme, at a meeting on Wednesday, September 13 at 1.00 pm in the North Terminal at Dublin Airport.
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Action needed on upskilling clauses of 'Towards 2016'
13.09.2006SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor has described the latest OECD report, ‘Education at a Glance’, as “an indictment of our lopsided approach to economic and social development”. Commenting on the OECD finding that Ireland came 29th out of 30 countries surveyed, in terms of the percentage of GDP spent on education, he said: “Despite the Government having so much money, the key to future sustainable economic and social development, education, is being neglected.
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Members accept proposals on sale of Great Southern Hotels
18.08.2006SIPTU members have voted by an overwhelming majority in favour of the Labour Court Recommendation and the terms of the agreement negotiated with the Great Southern Hotel, on the sale of the group.
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SIPTU to meet Debenham management on takeover of Roches Stores
17.08.2006SIPTU's National Industrial Secretary, Gerry McCormack has written to Julie Monro, head of human resources in Debenham's requesting a meeting to discuss their takeover of Roches Stores.
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National Learning Network employees to receive Labour Court award of 8.7%
12.06.2006The planned protest march by employees of the National Learning Network – Rehab Group - has been cancelled following confirmation from the Director of Human Resources in the Rehab Group that the increase of 8.7% as recommended by the Labour Court will be honoured in full and that all outstanding monies will be paid.
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Care of Older People - Health Forum
18.05.2006“The crisis in the health service continues to be a cause of concern to Union members and their families, but it is of particular concern to older and retired members,” SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn told a Health Forum focusing on the care of older people
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No new agreement unless employment standards are protected
10.03.2006There will be no new national agreement unless employment standards are protected, SIPTU General Secretary Joe O’Flynn has told a seminar on the Draft Services Directive in Cork. Powerful vested interests were constantly seeking to ‘reform’ the EU by driving down labour standards and exploiting ever larger markets without having to accept any responsibility for the social consequences
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Continued vigilance still needed on EU Services Directive
16.02.2006SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor said it was far too soon to comment comprehensively on the outcome of today’s vote in the European Parliament, approving an amended version of the proposed EU Services Directive, as it is not yet available in sufficient detail. “But one thing is clear – we still have a long way to go on this – and there is a requirement for continued vigilance by all those who wish to see the optimum potential for the European market in services achieved, without jeopardizing reasonable employment standards."
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SIPTU President in Strasbourg for ETUC protest over EU Services Directive
14.02.2006SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor went to Strasbourg to participate in the ETUC demonstration at the European Parliament on Tuesday, February 14, as it begins to vote on amendments to the controversial draft EU Services Directive. He will also be lobbying MEPs to highlight the concerns of SIPTU and other trade unionists at the potential impact of the Directive in its present form.
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Psychiatric Nurses withdraw threat of industrial action
29.09.2006The threat of industrial action by psychiatric nurses next month has been withdrawn by SIPTU Nursing and the Psychiatric Nurses Association.
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SIPTU says Aer Lingus privatisation is solely to meet PD agenda
20.09.2006All SIPTU sections at Aer Lingus have agreed to accept the company’s 2004 Business Plan and staff have voted overall by 85 per cent in the ICTU ballot that clears the way for the company’s floatation. Commenting on the last minute discussions to clarify outstanding issues the union’s National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny said, “It was a very difficult process but the way has now been cleared for the company to capitalise fully on the Business Plan.
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Aer Lingus ballot extended ahead of flotation go-ahead
12.09.2006“In the Government’s rush to sell our national air line at bargain basement prices, it has proven predictably difficult to finalise a number of important local issues with the workforce and consequently we are having to extend the SIPTU ballot until next week”, the union’s National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny said this afternoon.
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SIPTU welcomes UCD decision on recruitment
16.09.2006SIPTU’s Education Branch Organiser, Chris Rowland, has welcomed the decision of the Irish Universities, in particular UCD, to use international best practice in recruitment of academic staff.
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Nursing unions serve notice of industrial action
16.09.2006SIPTU Nursing and the Psychiatric Nurses' Association have served three weeks’ notice of their intention to take industrial action over the failure of the authorities in the health service to provide a compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses assaulted at work in line with the recommendations of a joint employer-union task force.
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Job losses announced at Lakeland Dairies
14.09.2006Workers at Lakeland Dairies were shocked by the announcement that the company intends to close its agri store network by the end of the year and to cease its operations at its milk plant at Lough Egish by July 2007 with a total loss of 146 jobs.
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Union wins battle over fixed-term contracts and pensions
08.09.2006Staff at UCD have agreed to defer industrial action due to take place on Monday September 11, after UCD management agreed to fulfil their legal obligations to staff working on fixed-term contracts.
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Industrial action at UCD over abuse of fixed-term contracts
06.09.2006SIPTU members in UCD reaffirmed their commitment to challenge the abuse of fixed-term contract working by way of a one day strike on Monday, September 11.
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Taoiseach urged to intervene in SRT pensions row
06.09.2006Union General President, Jack O’Connor has urged on the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern to intervene in the row over pensions affecting 600 workers in SR Technics – former employees of Aer Lingus - who have been excluded from the supplementary pension funds to be set up as part of the preparation for the flotation of the airline.
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Exploitation of construction workers continues
06.09.2006The continuing exploitation of construction workers has been condemned by SIPTU. The Union’s West of Ireland Construction Branch Organiser, Noel Kilfeather said the inactivity of the Construction Industry Federation in dealing with non-compliance of the Registered Employment Agreement (REA) for the construction industry by rogue contractors, is lending support to this widespread abuse.
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Industrial action at National Aquatic Centre
05.09.2006SIPTU is to serve notice of industrial action on the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) in a dispute over poor industrial relations.
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SIPTU signs co-operation agreement with Hungarian trade unions
05.09.2006SIPTU has signed a co-operation agreement with the Democratic Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Hungary (LIGA) - as part of its ongoing campaign to develop fraternal relations with Eastern European trade unions and to stop exploitation of workers.
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Minister's response on allocation of new buses 'encouraging'
31.08.2006Transport Minister, Martin Cullen said he is going to Cabinet in September with his proposal for an immediate allocation of 100 new buses for Dublin Bus and 160 buses for Bus Eireann.
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Breach of partnership in Dublin Transportation Office
31.08.2006SIPTU members in the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) are considering balloting for industrial action over the lack of information concerning their future employment with the proposed new Dublin Transportation Authority, announced by Transport Minister, Martin Cullen.
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Industrial Action at UCD over fixed-term contract working
30.08.2006SIPTU is to issue notice of industrial action at UCD to begin on Monday September 11, 2006, according to SIPTU Branch Organiser, Chris Rowland. “Staff at UCD are being denied job security and pension rights because the university is abusing the legislation covering fixed-term contract work,” she said.
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SIPTU demands commitment on provision of 100 new buses
30.08.2006"The travelling public deserves better than to be the victims of an ideological battle within Government," SIPTU Vice President, Brendan Hayes told Transport Minister, Martin Cullen. "SIPTU is calling for an immediate clarification of the Government's plan to provide Dublin Bus with 100 new buses," he said.
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Workers at Chorus Communications to ballot for industrial action
29.08.2006SIPTU Branch Organiser, Alan O’Leary said the TV channel provider is trying to force its employees out and bring in contract workers in their place. They are already advertising for technicians in the local media.
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Unions vote for industrial action at Independent Newspapers
29.08.2006Members of the Dublin Printing Group of Unions at Independent Newspapers have balloted in favour of industrial action in a dispute over their pension scheme.
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Taoiseach should call a halt to sale of Aer Lingus
28.08.2006It’s still not too late for the Taoiseach to intervene in the proposed sale of Aer Lingus, according to SIPTU National Industrial Secretary, Michael Halpenny. “This is a bad value proposition and a bad call,” said Mr. Halpenny. “It will do nothing for the employees, the customer or the tax payer."
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No room for complacency when it comes to fatalities at work
28.08.2006SIPTU’s Health & Safety Officer, Sylvester Cronin, said there was no room for complacency when it comes to fatalities at work. Responding to the CIF’s claim that there has been a dramatic drop in the number of fatalities at work as only 7 people had died so far this year compared with 23 last year, Mr. Cronin said: “It is true that the fatality figures have come down from last year, but when we consider that in 2005 it had increased by 50% over the numbers killed at work the previous year, then it’s a bit of a spin to say things have ‘improved dramatically’. In fact, they are just getting back to a very bad old level.
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Union recommends acceptance of LCR at Aer Lingus
25.08.20061,800 SIPTU members in Aer Lingus, at Cork, Dublin and Shannon will vote on the Labour Court’s Recommendation on pay and other issues at the airline from September 2 to 15, 2006. The ballot carries a recommendation for acceptance from the Aer Lingus Branch shop stewards and Union Organisers.
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Workers plan protest march over lock-out
24.08.2006SIPTU is organising a protest march on Friday August 25, 2006 in support of its eight members locked out of their employment in the Maria Goretti Nursing Home in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick. The march will start at 6pm from the People’s Hall in Kilmallock and proceed to the nursing home.
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Possibility of industrial action at Chorus Communications, Cork
22.08.2006Members of the SIPTU APT Branch, based in Cork and other locations, will meet this evening to consider taking industrial action at Chorus Communications Ltd., in a dispute over outsourcing, according to SIPTU Branch Organiser, Alan O’Leary.
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SIPTU wins union recognition at Aircoach
22.08.2006Coach drivers working for Aircoach - the private bus operator - have won Union recognition after a 20-month organising campaign. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Hardy, said the Union began recruiting Aircoach drivers in January 2005. Management had initially resisted unionisation - despite the fact that its parent company, First Group, recognises trade unions throughout Britain. But they finally agreed to recoginse the Union, following a 90% vote in favour of SIPTU being the drivers’ representative body in May this year.
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SIPTU members vote in favour of new national agreement
16.08.2006SIPTU members have voted in favour of the Framework Agreement, Towards 2016 by a substantial margin. Following a nationwide membership ballot lasting just over four weeks, members voted by 72% percent to 28% percent to accept the proposed terms of the agreement. Announcing the results, Union General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn said “Union members have clearly decided in favour of the proposals on the basis of the substantial progress achieved on measures to combat exploitation, the threat of displacement and the proper enforcement of labour standards as well as the wider social agenda. The pay terms will protect workers’ living standards over the life-time of the agreement.
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Industrial action at Clubman Omega now into its nineteenth week
15.08.2006Industrial action by SIPTU members made redundant at the Clubman Omega, shirt factory in Lisfannon, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, has now entered its nineteenth week.
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Industrial Action at Smurfit-Kappa in Cork
15.08.2006Almost 130 SIPTU members in the Smurfit-Kappa plant in Cork, took part in a one day work stoppage yesterday in protest at management's refusal to introduce a non-contributory sick pay scheme.
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Union calls for immediate Government action on fuel costs
10.08.2006Commenting on the July inflation figures, SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor said the increase to 4.2% confirms the Union’s prediction that the rate would increase to 4.5% before long, resulting in an average annual figure of at least 3.9% for 2006.
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Lock-out at Maria Goretti Nursing Home, Limerick
09.08.2006Seven SIPTU employees are picketing the Maria Goretti Nursing Home in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, because they been locked out by their employer. “The workers had returned to normal duties on Sunday and Monday – August 6 and 7 – after protesting over the unfair dismissal of a colleague. But they were informed by their employer that there was no work available for them – with their jobs being filled by five new employees,” explained Pat Condon of SIPTU’s Limerick No. 2 Branch.
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Mandatory pensions the only solution to pensions' deficit
09.08.2006SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor said his Union, "supports the necessity for mandatory pension provision as a matter of policy. There is no prospect of the pensions’ deficit being addressed voluntarily because, unfortunately, there is a large element among employers who will not contribute to pensions on a voluntary basis.
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Industrial action averted at Domino's Pizza
09.08.2006“The threat of industrial action at Domino’s Pizza’s in Naas has been averted after SIPTU members secured substantial pay increases,” said Frank Jones of SIPTU’s Kildare/Leixlip Branch.
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Cut VAT on fuel says Union
09.08.2006The General President of SIPTU, Jack O’Connor, has renewed his Union’s call for the Government to reduce VAT on fuel oil to help working families and businesses to cope with the current surge in oil prices.
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Drivers recommend introduction of Mark 4 trains
22.05.2006The Joint SIPTU/NRBU National Locomotive Drivers’ Committee met with Iarnrod Eireann management today under the chairmanship of independent facilitator, Phil Flynn.
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Stena Line's proposals to introduce low wage crew condemned
15.05.2006The proposal by Stena Line to introduce a low-waged Polish crew on their Stena Seatrader ferry on the Dublin/Hollyhead route from next July has been condemned by *ITF Organiser, Tony Ayton. “While the nationality of the crew on any vessel is not an issue for the trade union movement, the facts are that the British crew - who traditionally work that route - will very quickly become displaced since they will be unable to work for such low wages and support themselves and their families,” said Mr. Ayton *SIPTU is an ITF affiliate
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Union welcomes Aer Lingus management's clarification on Labour Court Recommendation
04.08.2006SIPTU's Aer Lingus Branch Organiser, Christy McQuillan said he welcomed Aer Lingus management's clarification of its attitude to the recent Labour Court Recommendation by confirming that it accepts the recommendation in its totality. "Now that Aer Lingus management has clarified its position, our Branch Committee will be able to consider the full implications of the Labour Court Recommendation and advise our members accordingly," he said.
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Aer Lingus management should clarify Labour Court recommendation
03.08.2006SIPTU has called on Aer Lingus management to clarify if it is prepared to accept the Labour Court Recommendation for significant improvements in pay and conditions. The Union's Aer Lingus Branch shop stewards decided to seek the clarification after management appeared to be setting preconditions on the proposals earlier today.
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Planned strike action at Domino's Pizza in Naas suspended
01.08.2006The planned strike action at Domino’s Pizzas in Naas - which was due to commence tomorrow August 2 - has been suspended for one week to allow negotiations to take place. The ban on overtime will, however, go ahead on Wednesday.
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Ballot for industrial action at Maria Goretti Nursing Home
28.07.2006SIPTU members in Maria Goretti Nursing Home in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick will ballot for industrial action – up to and including strike action - following the unfair dismissal of an employee and management’s refusal to allow the staff to be represented by the Union, according to Pat Condon of the Union’s Limerick No. 2 Branch.
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SIPTU calls for sanctions against Israel
27.07.2006SIPTU’s National Executive Council has called on the Irish Government to seek European-wide sanctions against Israel following its reckless bombing of the Lebanon.
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Industrial action at Domino's Pizza
SIPTU members will take industrial action on August 2 at Domino’s Pizza in Naas for a period of 24 hours. This will be followed by a refusal of all Union members to work overtime.
"This action follows management's failure to enter into meaningful negotiations with the Union on our claim for an increase in basic pay – worth up to 18% over two years for production and warehouse staff - and a commitment to honour future national pay deals,” explained Frank Jones of SIPTU’s Kildare/Leixlip Branch
“The Union has made every effort to resolve this matter through direct negotiations. The decision to engage in industrial action was not taken lightly but at this stage they can see no other alternative,” he said
The plant in Naas produces and distributes pizza bases to all the Domino’s Pizzas outlets nationwide.
Cavan MacLellan's 'take it or leave it' redundancy package
26.07.2006Management at Cavan MacLellan’s has told SIPTU members to accept a severance package of two weeks’ pay per year of service plus statutory entitlements or it will close the plant immediately with the loss of twelve jobs. Cavan MacLellan's – which is a member of IBEC - announced its decision to implement six redundancies in June, without reference to the ‘last-in, first-out’ principle” explained Irene Donegan of SIPTU’s Cavan Branch
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Outrage as creche orders employees to leave their job
26.07.2006Two SIPTU members - experienced childcare workers at Fitzone Crèche in Clontarf – were made redundant last Friday and ordered to leave the premises immediately. The two employees had worked at the crèche for over two years as qualified Montessori teachers.
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Bus Eireann must ensure compliance with employment law
19.07.2006SIPTU’s National Industrial Secretary, Michael Halpenny has written to the Managing Director of Bus Eireann today, to demand immediate confirmation that all contract work being carried out for the company is in compliance with employment law and with the terms of a trade union agreement on contracting.
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Clubman Omega dispute now into sixteen weeks
19.07.2006SIPTU members in Clubman Omega have been on strike since April 3, 2006, in pursuit of redundancy payments as recommended by the Labour Court last November. “There is no sign of a settlement,” said SIPTU’s Donegal Branch Organiser, Sean O’Reilly, “but our members are determined to pursue the matter.”
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SIPTU members in Great Southern Hotels vote for industrial action
14.07.2006Over eighty percent of SIPTU members in the Great Southern Hotels have voted in favour of industrial action. According to Donal Tobin, SIPTU’s Killarney Branch Organiser, “the ballot for industrial action follows the decision by the Dublin Airport Authority and its agents to continue to promote the sale of the Great Southern Hotels (GSH) without reaching agreement with staff on outstanding issues – including full compliance with the collective agreements, pensions for employees in the future, reckonable service and reckonable pay for calculating redundancy payments.
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Patient care at risk due to recruitment embargo
13.07.2006Health service unions SIPTU and IMPACT are concerned that the embargo on recruitment in the health services is affecting the level of patient care in the North East, said Anton McCabe, SIPTU’s Meath Branch President.
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SIPTU support Labour Party motion on Living Wage
12.07.2006Declaring support for a motion to be moved by Labour Party Councillor Eric Byrne on Dublin City Council calling for a ‘Living Wage’ Policy, Jack O’Connor said that “given the healthy state of our public finances - which are €1b in excess of target for the first half of the year - and recently published research showing we are now the second wealthiest nation in the world, there is absolutely no justification for paying low wages for the provision of public services.
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Workers shocked at closure of Green Isle food plant with loss of 80 jobs
11.07.2006Workers employed at the Green Isle food plant in Boyle are shocked at management's announcement that the plant is to close with the loss of 80 jobs. John McCarrick of SIPTU's Sligo Branch said the announcement comes against a background of a prolonged campaign for Union recognition.
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Store row threatens jobs
11.07.2006Up to 470 jobs are on the line in a legal row over operating costs between supermarket giant Dunnes Stores and one of its suppliers, Whelan Frozen Foods, according to Brendan Carr of SIPTU’s Dublin Food Branch.
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BIM workers going nowhere
07.07.2006“Not one Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) employee has expressed an interest in decentralisation. But today the Taoiseach will announce the preferred tender to build the premises for the proposed relocation for BIM in Clonakilty” said Owen Reidy of SIPTU's State and Related Agencies Branch.
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SIPTU's recommendation on proposals for new national agreement
05.07.2006Following the special consultative conference on July 4, the National Executive Council considered the proposed terms for a new national agreement – Towards 2016 - which envisages an agreement on ‘pay and the workplace and Employment Rights and Compliance’ for a period of 27 months.
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Open Forum on Proposals on Towards 2016
03.07.2006The country’s largest union will hold a Special Delegate Conference to discuss the new national agreement at Jury’s Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin, on Tuesday, July 4th. It will begin at 10 am and conclude by 5 pm, at the latest.
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Staff reject outsourcing at Ulster Bank
28.06.2006Proposals on outsourcing security and portering duties at Ulster Bank’s Regional Office in College Green have been overwhelmingly rejected by SIPTU staff members in a secret ballot.
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SIPTU chief economist says new agreement will provide pay increases ahead of inflation but action needed by Government to tackle underlying causes such as profiteering
25.06.2006Commenting on the Taoiseach’s interview on RTE’s This Week programme today, SIPTU Chief Economist Manus O’Riordan said that while the overall approach to the pay agreement was correct the Government also needed to tackle underlying causes of inflation.
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Plans to decentralise State Agencies suffer another setback
23.06.2006The Government’s flawed plan to decentralise State Agency workers across the country has suffered another setback according to SIPTU Branch Organiser, Owen Reidy.
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Strike Notice Served on Domino's Pizzas
21.06.2006SIPTU has served strike notice on Domino's Pizzas in Naas, Co. Kildare, to take effect from Wednesday, June 28, according to the Union’s Kildare/Leixlip Assistant Branch Organiser, Frank Jones.
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SIPTU General President Jack O'Connor pays tribute to Charles Haughey's role in overcoming country's economic crisis and laying foundations for growth
14.06.2006SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor said it was with regret that he heard of the death of the former Taoiseach, Charles J Haughey, and he extended his condolences to his wife Maureen and their family.
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Guaranteed future terms of employment key to finalising deal on sale of Great Southern Hotels
14.06.2006“The key to finalising a deal on the sale of the Great Southern Hotels is the guarantee of future employment standards - including pensions and outstanding monies due under Sustaining Progress,” said SIPTU’s National Industrial Secretary, Gerry McCormack.
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Improved minimum rates for security workers
12.06.2006Proposals for improvements in the legal minimum standards of pay and conditions for security workers have been announced by the Joint Labour Committee for the Security Industry.
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National Learning Network employees to march over pay
31.05.2006"No More Delay on Pay" National Learning Network employees march over outstanding pay increases On Monday June 12, National Learning Network employees will assemble at Liberty Hall Theatre at 12.00pm. Following the meeting there will be a protest march to FÁS Head Office at 27/33 Upper Baggot St., Dublin 4 – arriving at approximately 2.00pm - stopping briefly at the Department on Enterprise Trade and Employment, Kildare Street, en route.
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SIPTU rejects inappropriate accounting standard as detrimental to defined benefit pension schemes.
31.05.2006SIPTU has reiterated its opposition to the accounting standard, FRS17, which originated in the UK but has been adopted by accountants in Ireland since 2002. Union General Secretary, Joe O'Flynn, said that the standard is "inappropriate, ill-conceived and regressive for pension schemes" and is undermining the work done by unions over decades to provide adequate pension cover for workers.
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FAS members accept LRC proposals
29.05.2006SIPTU members at the state training and employment agency FÁS, have voted by 98 per cent to accept peace proposals from the Labour Relations Commission to end the dispute over compulsory decentralisation. Previous attempts to resolve the six week long dispute foundered after the Department of Finance sought to put preconditions on negotiations that would coerce FÁS employees into moving to Birr.
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ESRI complacency on wage trends challenged
26.05.2006Research which claims that there is no evidence that wage rates in Ireland are being undermined through the exploitation of foreign nationals working in this country is based on seriously flawed data, according to the country’s largest trade union, SIPTU.
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LRC proposals on industrial action at FAS
26.05.2006SIPTU members are to vote on LRC proposals to end industrial action over compulsory decentralisation at FAS
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Government should review decision to include semi-state agencies in decentralisation strategy
23.05.2006SIPTU Regional Secretary for Dublin, Patricia King, has called on the Government to review its decision to include semi-state agencies in its decentralisation programme as a matter or urgency. She pointed out at a press conference today that only 56 out of 2,500 staff affected were willing to relocate from 16 non-commercial semi-states to new centres that range from Gweedore in County Donegal to Clonakilty in County Cork.
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SIPTU celebrates Aer Lingus birthday with music, dance and a commitment to continue the fight against privatisation.
23.05.2006SIPTU members marched through Dublin airport today with a samba band, jazz quarter and banners poclaiming ‘No to Privatisation’. Labour TDs Sean Ryan, Roisin Shortall and Joe Costello participated, along with Sinn Fein deputy Sean Crowe.
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SIPTU to celebrate 70th anniversary of Aer Lingus
19.05.2006SIPTU National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny has written to every TD and Senator inviting them to attend the Union’s celebration of the national airline’s seventieth birthday next Monday - May 22, 2006
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SIPTU President pays tribute to Michael O’Riordan
19.05.2006SIPTU’s General President Jack O’Connor has paid tribute to the former General Secretary and Chairman of the Communist Party of Ireland, Michael O’Riordan, who died earlier today. He said, “Michael O’Riordan was a fearless fighter for the rights of working people all his life.
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SIPTU Nurses begin consultation process in preparation for benchmarking
16.05.2006SIPTU Nursing has begun an extensive consultation process with its members throughout Ireland as part of its preparations for its submission to the Benchmarking Review Body.
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Redundancy terms for Irish Sugar workers still not resolved
15.05.2006Management’s interpretation of the terms of the Labour Court Recommendation on redundancy terms for Irish Sugar workers, is not the correct one, declared SIPTU’s National Industrial Secretary, Gerry McCormack.
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Industrial action over decentralisation likely to spread
15.05.2006SIPTU expects industrial action over the Government's decentralisation plan to spread to other State agencies, said Owen Reidy, Branch Organiser with SIPTU's State & Related Agencies Branch.
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SIPTU honours James Connolly
12.05.2006A major new film on James Connolly is to receive significant financial backing from SIPTU. Connolly was the Acting General Secretary of SIPTU’s predecessor, the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union, at the time of his execution after the Easter Rising in 1916.
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Royal Liver workers shock as redundancies announced
11.05.2006Employees at Royal Liver were shocked at the announcement that the society is to make its entire direct sales force in Ireland redundant.
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Strike notice served on Waterford City Council
10.05.2006SIPTU has served strike notice on Waterford City Council for next Monday over management’s failure to conclude negotiations on bringing pay and allowances for manual staff in line with those in other local authorities. Union Branch Organiser David Lane says that workers in other local authorities are earning up to 50 per cent more for performing the same duties.
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Fire fighters unhappy with avian flu contingency plans
10.05.2006Full time and retained fire fighters are seeking an urgent meeting with Government Ministers to discuss contingency plans for tackling any outbreak of avian flu in Ireland.
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Bord na Mona should retain seasonal workers
10.05.2006Speculation that 200 Bord na Mona workers may be laid off as a result of repair work at the ESB’s peat burning station in Shannonbridge, is causing grave concern, said SIPTU’s, Padraig Mulligan who is Secretary of the Bord na Mona Group of Unions.
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Workers at AS Richardson shocked by closure announcement
10.05.2006Workers at A.S. Richardsons were shocked by the announcement that the company was to cease production during the third quarter of 2006.
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Massive increase in work related illnesses
08.05.2006SIPTU is calling on the Minister for Labour Affairs, Tony Killeen TD to take action to reverse the escalating numbers of employees suffering from work related illnesses, according to SIPTU’s Health and Safety Advisor, Sylvester Cronin. “Figures from the Central Statistics Office for the first quarter of 2005 show that almost 60,000 workers suffered work-related illnesses,” said Mr. Cronin.
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SIPTU launches poster campaign for mushroom industry
05.05.2006SIPTU has launched a poster campaign advising workers in the mushroom industry that they are legally entitled to €7.92 an hour or €309.88 for a 39 hour week. The information on the poster appears in four languages – Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian and English.
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Industrial action at FAS set to continue
04.05.2006The threat of pickets being placed outside the FAS building in Baggot Street, resulted in the cancellation of the FAS Board meeting yesterday, according to SIPTU's FAS Branch Organiser, Greg Ennis. "FAS management tried to avoid the pickets by changing the venue to the Montclare Hotel, but were advised that SIPTU demonstrations/protest pickets would take place there too. Finally the Board meeting was cancelled."
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Fine Gael Secretaries to ballot on industrial action
04.05.2006Secretaries employed by Fine Gael will ballot for industrial action next Friday - May 5 – according to SIPTU’s State Related Agencies Branch. “Over twenty fulltime secretaries have rejected proposals put forward by management in a dispute over the allocation of promotional posts,” said Gerry Flanagan, Assistant Branch Organiser.
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SIPTU and ATGWU enter into Co-operation Agreement
01.05.2006To mark the significance of May Day for working people everywhere, the ATGWU and SIPTU have declared a shared commitment to enter into a Co-operation Agreement to strengthen the organisation of workers throughout the island of Ireland.
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Legislation on Corporate Manslaughter Long Overdue
28.04.2006A new offence of corporate manslaughter should be introduced immediately said SIPTU’s Dublin Construction Branch Organiser, Eric Fleming. “This offence has already been recommended by the Law Reform Commission but their report is gathering dust on a shelf somewhere.
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Talks on pay to open next week
27.04.2006The Executive Council of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions unanimously agreed on April 26 that sufficient progress had been made in negotiations on the issue of Labour Market Reform to allow talks to begin on pay and related issues, in the context of agreeing an overall deal to succeed the Sustaining Progress agreement.
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SIPTU marks International Memorial Day for Workers - April 28
27.04.2006April 28 is International Workers’ Memorial Day. SIPTU is calling on all workers to mark the day by observing a minute’s silence at 12 noon, by electing safety representatives where there are none and by raising health and safety issues at their workplace.
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Industrial action at Irish Sugar no idle threat
25.04.2006SIPTU, AMICUS and TEEU members in Irish Sugar voted by an overwhelming majority in favour of industrial action last Thursday, following the breakdown of negotiations on redundancy terms, reported SIPTU’s National Industrial Secretary, Gerry McCormack.
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Workers at NEC, Ballivor accept enhanced redundancy deal
18.04.2006300 SIPTU members in NEC Ballivor have overwhelmingly accepted an enhanced redundancy deal worth 7.75 weeks’ pay per year of service, including statutory entitlements.
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SIPTU criticises failure of Jurys Doyle Hotel Group to conclude redundancy deal
13.04.2006SIPTU has hit out at the failure of Jurys Doyle Hotel Group to conclude an agreement on redundancy terms for the 650 members effected by the decision to close the three hotels in Ballsbridge in 2007.
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Justice Minister postpones meeting SIPTU over security concerns
13.04.2006The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Michael McDowell TD has requested a postponement of the meeting between his office and a SIPTU delegation scheduled for next Tuesday, April 18, 2006
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Settlement terms agreed at Brothers of Charity
12.04.2006The two week old dispute between SIPTU and the Brothers of Charity in Limerick has ended with 14 care workers agreeing to a return to work formula, followed by referral of the substantive issue to a full Labour Court hearing.
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Dimplex workers left with no choice but to accept inferior redundancy terms
12.04.2006Workers at Dimplex Cleaning Systems in Tralee – which is to cease operations on April 21 - have reluctantly decided to accept the inferior redundancy terms being offered by management.
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Security staff to meet Minister for Justice to raise safety concerns
11.04.2006SIPTU officials and representatives of cash in transit (CIT) security staff are to meet with the Minister for Justice on Tuesday April 18 to raise their members’ safety and security concerns resulting from the recent renewal of armed attacks on cash in transit deliveries.
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Golden share in Aer Lingus may be invalid under EU law
10.04.2006SIPTU National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny has written to the Department of Transport to request urgent clarification on whether the Government’s intentions to retain a ‘golden share’ in Aer Lingus is valid under EU competition law.
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Labour Court awards over €6,000 to Filipino worker
10.04.2006The Labour Court has awarded €6,619 to a Filipino truck driver as compensation for underpayment of wages.
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SIPTU delegation meets Minister to seek action in mushroom industry
06.04.2006A high-level meeting on the exploitation of workers in the mushroom sector took place in Dáil Eireann today between Government Ministers and senior civil servants and a delegation from SIPTU, Ireland’s largest trade union.
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Submission on Aer Lingus privatisation to Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport
05.04.2006SIPTU will be making its submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport hearing into the Government’s decision to privatise Aer Lingus at 9.30 am tomorrow, Thursday, April 6th.
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Notice of industrial action served on Aer Lingus
05.04.2006SIPTU has served protective notice of industrial action on Aer Lingus this afternoon. “It will be activated if the company proceeds to privatise unilaterally and without prior agreement on the core issues of concern to union members”, SIPTU National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny said afterwards.
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Industrial action begins at FAS
05.04.2006Around 50 FAS employees – members of SIPTU – began the first of a rolling form of industrial action at the State Agency’s head office on Dublin's Baggot Street, Clyde Road, South Circular Road and Peter Street. Pickets will remain in place at the four offices until 11am this morning.
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Decision to sell Aer Lingus shifts focus to industrial relations
04.04.2006The Government’s decision to sell Aer Lingus means the focus has shifted to industrial relations at the airline, said SIPTU’s National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny. “The statement from the Government on its decision to sell Aer Lingus by way of an IPO is short on detail and high on aspiration - but it doesn’t detract from the fact that this is a very bad day for Aer Lingus workers and the country,” he said.
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Union members denied work in Waterford
04.04.2006SIPTU’s South-East Construction Organiser David Lane says it is becoming almost impossible for unionised workers to get employment in Waterford’s construction sector. "It is a case of no Irish need apply because some company’s do not want to pay the union rate for the job", he said today.
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SIPTU remains opposed to Aer Lingus privatisation
03.04.2006SIPTU National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny said after this evening’s lengthy meeting with Transport Minister Martin Cullen that the union “remains fundamentally convinced that the proposed privatisation of AerLingus is bad for the company, bad for the workforce and bad for the country.
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Independent poll shows majority against privatising Aer Lingus
31.03.2006The results of an RTE opinion poll showed 52.79% of voters were against the privatisation of Aer Lingus – 43.03% were in favour and 4.18% remained undecided.
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SIPTU targets mushroom industry for massive clean up
31.03.2006SIPTU has put together a special group of full-time organisers from all over the country to co-ordinate the Union’s efforts to improve pay and working conditions in the mushroom picking industry. The group will be headed up by the Union’s Regional Secretary for the Midlands and South East, Mike Jennings.
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Aer Lingus members vote in favour of industrial action
30.03.2006Aer Lingus members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action should management proceed with privatisation of the airline without agreement, announced SIPTU’s National Industrial Secretary, Michael Halpenny. 94% of members voted in favour of industrial action.
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Vote on proposals on new on-line check-in system
29.03.2006SIPTU members who staff security facilities at Dublin Airport are to vote on proposals to allow on-line check-ins over the next few days.
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Getting a fair deal for nursing members a priority for SIPTU
28.03.2006SIPTU’s commitment to getting a fair deal for its nursing members - by whatever means is available - is a priority for the Union, said the President of SIPTU’s National Nursing Council, Mary Durkin.
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Industrial action at Brothers of Charity starts March 30, 2006
28.03.2006Industrial action at the Brothers of Charity in Limerick is due to start on Thursday, March 30, over to the continued suspension of 14 members employed as social care workers and social care leaders.
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Concern at possible decision on Aer Lingus prior to consultation
28.03.2006SIPTU members are extremely surprised at comments made by the Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, on the radio this morning that he hopes to proceed to a Cabinet decision on the future of Aer Lingus next week, the union’s National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny said today. Members are to conclude a protective ballot for industrial action on Thursday.
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Backing for privatised home help service condemned
23.03.2006SIPTU national organiser Noel Dowling has strongly condemned the Tanaiste, Ms Harney for promoting an American based company that intends providing a state subsidised home help service to higher income families while failing to implement agreements with existing home helps employed by health boards.
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Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport to meet over Aer Lingus
23.03.2006The decision by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport to meet and examine all aspects of the proposed sale of Aer Lingus has been welcomed by SIPTU, the company’s largest union. “We welcome the decision by the committee, which will provide an opportunity for a badly needed open discussion on the implications for the economy, the travelling public and the company’s employees, of the proposed sale of a majority share holding in the national airline”, SIPTU National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny said today.
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Notice of industrial action served on FAS
22.03.2006SIPTU Branch Organiser Greg Ennis served notice of industrial action on FAS, the state training and employment agency, today. The action is being taken because FAS has breached consultation procedures and is coercing staff into co-operating with the Government’s decentralisation programme by linking promotional posts to the proposed movement to Birr.
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Waterford Regional Hospital strike was not unofficial
22.03.2006Some media reports have described the strike by security workers at Waterford Regional Hospital yesterday as unofficial. This is not the case and appears to be based on management sources quoted in some reports, without checking with SIPTU. The proper procedures were implemented by the union and the strikers, who had the full backing of SIPTU.
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Under-payment of migrant workers promotes inequality and racism.
21.03.2006Ireland today is at a cross roads between racism and harmony, SIPTU Regional Secretary Mike Jennings told a meeting of non-Irish SIPTUshop stewards in Liberty Hall, Dublin, today. “Sadly our Government is allowing bad employers to dictate our direction and systematically build an unfair society steeped in the nightmare of racism," he said.
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Adverse publicity surrounding A&E could lead to privatisation of the service warns SIPTU leader
22.03.2006SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn warned that continued adverse publicity – due to lack of adequate resources and the personal experiences of many people depending on the service, particularly in A&E units - could be used to justify the privatisation of the services.
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2006 International Anti-Racism Day marked with new publication
21.03.2006Speaking today at the launch of a new publication, “Diversity in the Workplace – a Guide for Shop Stewards”, SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor declared that strengthened employment regulation and proper enforcement of it will optimise the potential of the multicultural workplace. “Failure to do this will result in devastating consequences immediately and in the longer term,” he said.
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Waterford Regional Hospital pickets lifted as dispute is referred to LRC
20.03.2006Striking security workers at Waterford Regional Hospital decided to lift pickets this evening having highlighted their plight. Their case is being referred to the Labour Relations Commission.
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SIPTU favours targeted initiatives to alleviate pressure on A&E but as short term measures only
20.03.2006Providing additional capacity - together with targeted initiatives aimed at delayed discharges - need to be put in place in order to reduce the numbers waiting in accident and emergency units, but only as a short term measure, declared SIPTU’s National Nursing Official, Miriam McCluskey.
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SIPTU members in FÁS head office vote for strike action over decentralisation threat
20.03.2006FÁS head office staff in Dublin voted this morning by 87 per cent for industrial action to oppose compulsory relocation to Birr, Co Offaly. SIPTU branch secretary Greg Ennis said that the vote “sends a very strong message from our members to FÁS management and provides a very strong mandate for industrial action.
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Displacement of workers on lower rates of pay a real problem
16.03.2006The employer’s representative body IBEC should step out from behind the veil of denial and face the fact that there is a real problem in Ireland today regarding displacement of workers by lower paid migrants, declared SIPTU’s Sectoral Organiser for the Longford/Westmeath Branch, Seamus McNamee.
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SIPTU nurses gear up for Benchmarking round two
16.03.2006SIPTU-Nursing will begin a consultation process involving all its members ahead of the next Benchmarking process. At the Union’s 2006 Nursing Convention in Sligo today, National Nursing Official Miriam McCluskey told delegates that a number of focus groups will be set up on a national bases and members will be given an opportunity to inform those groups of the key issues affecting nurses today.
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Reject portrayal of older people as being depressed
16.03.2006Speaking at the SIPTU-Nursing Convention Ms Meehan told the Union’s nursing delegates they should reject the idea that loneliness, isolation and depression are a common adjunct to being old – they are not. “They are merely the outcome of circumstances which do not cater for the needs of the older generation,” she said. “Clearly a minority of older people are in stark positions but there should be no stereotype that older people are lonely.
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Picket at Department of Transport over Aer Lingus privatisation proposals
16.03.2006SIPTU members in Aer Lingus picketed the Department of Transport in Kildare Street, Dublin, from 12.30pm until 1.30pm in protest at the proposal to privatise Aer Lingus. SIPTU National Industrial Secretary Michael Halpenny said, “it is ironic that Government Ministers are flying out all over the world this week on our national airline to promote the ’Shamrock’ in the best of all social, cultural and economic senses, only to return next week with the apparent intention of selling the ‘Shamrock’ on Aer Lingus planes to the highest bidder.”
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Closure of Mallow sugar plant a catastrophe
15.03.2006The decision by Greencore to cease sugar production and close its Mallow plant is catastrophic according to SIPTU’s National Industrial Secretary, Gerry McCormack. “This closure will have a profound effect on the lives of the workers, their families and the community,” said Mr. McCormack.
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SIPTU begins protective ballot in Aer Lingus over privatisation
15.03.2006SIPTU is to begin balloting members in Aer Lingus, following the last of the general meetings with members in Cork this evening. National Industrial Secretary, Michael Halpenny, has also written to TDs, senators and councillors today updating them on the situation and seeking their support for the campaign to keep the national airline in public ownership.
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Bad news for workers as 250 job losses announced in Kildare
14.03.2006The proposed loss of 250 jobs in Wyeth Medica in Newbridge - between now and 2007 - is bad news for the workers, the town and the wider Kildare region, according to SIPTU’s Kildare/Leixlip Branch Organiser, Adrian Kane.
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SIPTU concerned at possible job displacement at Whelan Frozen Foods
14.03.2006SIPTU is concerned that workers may be displaced in a frozen food supplier to Dunnes Stores in a row over operating costs. The concern comes after Dunnes Stores told the High Court last Friday – March 10, that it wanted to sever its ties with Whelan Frozen Foods after a disagreement over operating costs.
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SIPTU members in Shannon endorse protective strike ballot
14.03.2006Over 150 of SIPTU’s 200 members at Aer Lingus in Shannon agreed unanimously to endorse a decision to hold a protective ballot for industrial action tonight in the event that the national airline is privatised. SIPTU members at Aer Lingus in Cork are holding a meeting at 5pm tomorrow at the airport to discuss the situation.
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No to zero hours contract - home helps
13.03.2006A loud and clear message was sent to Minister Mary Harney today when hundreds of home helps protested outside the Department of Health and Children, demanding an end to ‘zero hour’ contracts and the savage reduction in the number of service hours.
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SIPTU calls for development of care services
10.03.2006SIPTU is calling for the development of the care services sector to be integrated, planned and properly funded. This includes child care, elder care and care for people with disabilities.
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National pensions policy must take account of older women
10.03.2006Older women are more at risk of poverty due to low pension coverage, poor quality pensions and usually shorter pensionable service than men, said SIPTU Branch Organiser, Rhonda Donaghey.
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Aer Lingus workers to ballot for industrial action
10.03.2006Following a meeting of SIPTU's Aer Lingus members in Dublin Airport on March 9, the Union's National Industrial Secretary, Michael Halpenny said "over 500 members were in attendance and there was a long discussion about the issues facing workers in the event that the airline is privatised. Most of the contributions to the debate focussed on job security.
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10,000 private security guards undervalued and underpaid - SIPTU
08.03.2006Since the establishment of the Private Security Authority, it has become increasingly clear that the Irish private security industry is now at a turning point, said SIPTU’s Security Branch Organiser, Kevin McMahon.
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Enforcement of employment standards top of SIPTU's agenda
08.03.2006The prospects for raising standards in the private security industry are inextricably linked to the national talks currently taking place between the unions, the Government and employers, said SIPTU General Secretary, Jack O’Connor.
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Ballot for industrial action in FAS over decentralisation
06.03.2006SIPTU is balloting members in FAS over the State training agency’s refusal to abide by its own consultation procedures regarding decentralisation. The Labour Court ruled last month that the agency had breached procedures.
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Workers vote in favour of survival plan at Jacob Fruitfield
03.03.2006The decision by the workers at Jacob Fruitfield to accept new and more flexible working arrangements will help to secure the future viability of the plant, said Brendan Carr, Assistant Branch Organiser in SIPTU’s Food Branch.
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Minister Cullen meets unions on Aer Lingus
02.03.2006Following a meeting of SIPTU shop stewards this morning about the possibility of a part privatisation of Aer Lingus , the ICTU Group of Unions in Aer Lingus met Transport Minister, Martin Cullen this afternoon to outline their concerns.
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SIPTU steps up campaign to save Aer Lingus
02.03.2006SIPTU is to call general meetings of its members in Aer Lingus for next week following an emergency meeting of shop stewards today, to save Aer Lingus. These meetings will brief members on developments regarding Government policy towards the national airline, including the meeting with the Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, this afternoon.
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SIPTU urges beet farmers to continue to grow beet
28.02.2006SIPTU is calling on all beet farmers to respond in a positive way to the request from Greencore to grow beet for this season’s sugar campaign and to sustain the Irish sugar industry for the foreseeable future.
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SIPTU shop stewards to hold emergency meeting on Aer Lingus
27.02.2006SIPTU shop stewards from Cork, Dublin and Shannon will meet in ALSA, Dublin Airport, on Thursday morning at 10.00am to hear a report back from a meeting between Union officials and the Aer Lingus advisors.
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Ill treatment of migrant workers continues in Kilnaleck Mushrooms
24.02.2006Eight Lithuanian women - who were recruited by an agency in Vilnius in January to replace former employees in Kilnaleck Mushrooms - have contacted SIPTU’s Cavan Branch for help.
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Senior NEC executives remain firm on plans to close Ballivor plant
23.02.2006Despite exhaustive discussions between SIPTU representatives and senior management of NEC - held in London’s Heathrow Airport this afternoon – the Union’s Meath Branch Organiser, John Regan said management remains firm in its decision to close the NEC plant in Ballivor.
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Home helps to demonstrate at Department Health - March 13
23.02.2006Home help workers are at breaking point as their hours are cut and the Health Service Executive continues to fail to implement their 2004 agreement on pay and conditions, according to SIPTU Organiser, Orla Fawl.
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NEC agrees to meet SIPTU over plant closure
22.02.2006SIPTU representatives of the workforce in NEC Ballivor are set to meet senior management of the NEC Corporation – including the Chief Executive Officer – in London tomorrow, according to SIPTU’s Meath Branch Organiser, John Regan.
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Raising standards in the private security industry
22.02.2006Seminar: Wednesday, March 8, 2006. 9.30am to 3.00pm, Great Southern Hotel, Dublin Airport. This seminar on raising standards in the private security industry is open to the media. Speakers include Jack O'Connor, SIPTU General President, and representatives from the Private Security Authority, the National Standards Authority of Ireland, the Security Institute of Ireland and the Irish Security Industry Association. See full programme.
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Labour Party offers support to Doyle Concrete workers
22.02.2006Brendan Howlin, Labour Party spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, will meet worker representatives from Doyle Concrete/Steelite along with SIPTU Regional Secretary, Mike Jennings, and Kildare Branch Organiser, Adrian Kane, on Thursday, February 23 at 11.00am in Leinster House.
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NEC workers shocked at news of closure
21.02.2006The announcement that the NEC plant in Ballivor is to close with the loss of nearly 300 jobs came as a shock to workers and proves the need for new initiatives on the part of Government when industries are under threat, declared SIPTU’s Meath Branch Organiser, John Regan.
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Campaign against decentralisation continues
16.02.2006SIPTU will campaign over the coming weeks for the withdrawal of all State agencies - where we represent workers - from the Government’s decentralisation programme, according to FAS Branch Organiser, Greg Ennis.
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Industrial action at RCSI deferred
16.02.2006Planned industrial action at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland has been deferred, pending the issuing of a Labour Court recommendation on the job evaluation issue said Education Branch Organiser, Chris Rowland.
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Doyle Concrete snubs Labour Court again
15.02.2006Management at Doyle Concrete in Athy plan to totally ignore the Labour Court and make 16 Union members redundant with just statutory entitlements, declared SIPTU’s Kildare/Leixlip Branch Organiser, Adrian Kane.
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Great Southern Hotels must remain in public ownership
15.02.2006SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn told Transport Minister, Martin Cullen yesterday that his Union will continue to lobby for the retention of the Great Southern Hotels group in public ownership. Members of the SIPTU GSH group national negotiating committee met the Minister on February 14, to outline the Union’s position following the decision of the Board of the GSH to seek advice on the disposal of the hotels.
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Possible sale of Great Southern Hotels provokes outrage
08.02.2006SIPTU General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn says he is “outraged at the decision by the board of the Great Southern Hotel Group to engage advisors to assist in the disposal of the group’s assets”. He said the Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, had agreed last night to meet SIPTU next week to discuss the situation. The union would be making its views known in a forthright way.
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Labour Court backs SIPTU in Doyle Concrete /Steelite dispute
07.02.2006The Labour Court has again backed SIPTU in its dispute with Doyle Concrete/Steelite over redundancy terms and rates of pay.
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ESRI report is wrong about Public Service pay
01.02.2006SIPTU President says ESRI report is wrong about public service pay.
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SIPTU delegates vote in favour of partnership talks
31.01.2006SIPTU delegates voted by an overwhelming majority to open exploratory talks on a new national partnership agreement to succeed Sustaining Progress. SIPTU General President, Jack O'Connor said in the light of the Irish Ferries demonstrations, unions could now call on the combined strength of over 600,000 workers if the talks process failed to deliver.
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SIPTU recruits 15,000 foreign nationals
23.01.2006SIPTU's General Secretary Joe O’Flynn said the Union has recruited 15,000 new members among foreign nationals working in Ireland. Many of these workers were employed in sectors such as construction and services. They joined SIPTU to secure representation and employment rights.
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Effective measures needed to address race to bottom
23.01.2006SIPTU's General President, Jack O'Connor says recent media reports highlight the need for effective measures to address the race to the bottom in any new national programme.
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Fine Gael proposals based on failed experiment
20.01.2006The Fine Gael proposals to allow private companies into the Dublin transport system is based on a failed experiment in privatisation of the London and UK bus transport system, according to SIPTU’s National Industrial Secretary, Michael Halpenny. “That experiment resulted in job losses, wage cuts for staff, increased costs to the tax payer and more significantly increased profitability for bus operators”, he said.
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C&D plant to re-open on limited basis
19.01.2006SIPTU's Longford Branch, which represents more than 400 workers at the C&D pet foods plant in Edgeworthstown, has said that the factory is likely to re-open within two weeks on a limited basis, in the wake of last Sunday's major fire.
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Patients need visitors
19.01.2006The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney is attempting to deflect from the seriousness of the crisis in our health services by suggesting that visitors should be restricted in an effort to reduce infection in the hospitals declared the President of SIPTU’s National Nursing Council, Mary Durkin.
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Devastation over C&D fire in Longford
16.01.2006SIPTU members are in shock at the potential loss of employment following the massive fire at the C&D pet food plant in Longford last night.
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Ill treatment of Filipino workers condemned
12.01.2006Filipino workers employed in a factory in Blessington, Co. Wicklow have been being threatened with redundancy for daring to complain about low pay and poor working conditions.
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Threat to employment standards from proposed Services Directive
13.01.2006There is an urgent need for serious public debate on the proposed EU Services Directive, SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor, told a seminar in Dublin at the launch of a public information campaign on its potential impact. In its current form the Directive will legitimise the erosion of wages and working conditions.
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SIPTU leadership backs opening of talks on new national programme
12.01.2006SIPTU’s National Executive Council has decided to recommend support for the opening of talks on a future national programme when Union workplace representatives meet at the end of this month to consider the issue.
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Notice of Industrial Action served on Royal College of Surgeons
02.02.2006Notice of industrial action has been served on the Royal College of Surgeons to expire on February 9, according to Education Branch Organiser, Chris Rowland.
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O'Connor warns on entry to future talks on new social partnership
04.01.2006SIPTU General President, Jack O'Connor said a great deal still needs to be done before the Union could enter talks on any new national programme to replace the current deal - Sustaining Progress - which expired on December 31, for a considerable number of private sector workers.
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