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Equality

Dublin Pride Parade 2009

Dublin Pride Parade 2009


Where SIPTU Stands

Equality is a core value for SIPTU along with our other core values of equity, solidarity and democracy.

SIPTU organises, negotiates for and campaigns with, workers and citizens who suffer various forms of discrimination and disadvantage, workers who are on low pay and low incomes, who are poor, marginalised or socially excluded for whatever reason.  This involves SIPTU fighting all forms of discrimination in employment and in society including any based on age, race, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or membership of the traveller community, as well as gender or sex discrimination.  The Union also campaigns against other causes of inequality and unfairness such as poverty, unemployment and social exclusion.

Over 40% of SIPTU's members are women and, despite substantial successes and achievements - for example in the areas of equal pay -  inequality still persists in the workplace and must continue to be combatted.  Collective bargaining at enterprise level complements legal regulation in promoting and strengthening equal opportunities for Union members: it is not a substitute.

SIPTU's Organisers at national, divisional, sectoral and local level are constantly negotiating with Government and employers at national and local level to achieve progress on equality for our members.

The Union's Equality Unit works closely with the elected SIPTU National Equality/Women’s Committee and reports to the General Officers and National Executive Council.  The Unit also works with SIPTU staff in the Divisions and Branches and with SIPTU College and the Organising Unit to develop programmes and activities to promote and campaign for equality.

Developing Equal Opportunities at Workplace Level

At workplace level, equal opportunities policies and practices can be developed and implemented by agreement between SIPTU and employers. The following are examples of issues that are appropriate for discussion at workplace level:

  • Statement of Principles and Programme to promote equal opportunities;
  • Positive Action Programme/s Policies to combat sexual harassment, harassment and bullying at work;
  • The creation of job opportunities for people with disabilities;
  • Policies to promote racial equality;
  • Guidelines to implement support mechanisms at work for victims of domestic violence.

Equality is a fundamental principle for SIPTU. But more than that, it is part of our daily practice. The Union is committed to combatting unjust discrimination in all of its forms.

For many years, we have played a leading role in the campaign for equal pay and employment opportunities for women – not only seeking improvements in the law but also securing many important breakthroughs in workplaces around the country.

The Union’s successes under equal pay laws have resulted in significant pay-outs for women (and men!). Union action has also brought about better promotional opportunities as well as greater access to up-skilling and training. Traditional barriers between “men’s work” and “women’s work” have been broken down – with the help of SIPTU.

The Union has also campaigned consistently for the introduction of more childcare facilities – as well as improved maternity, paternity and parental leave – and other measures to assist working parents. While our members have enjoyed some successes on these issues, there is still more work to be done.

SIPTU has also begun to take action to tackle discrimination against many other groups within society on grounds such as race or ethnic origin, religion, disabilities, sexual orientation, marital status or even membership of a trade union!

The Union is now building up a similar track record of successes in securing entitlements for workers in these categories who have been exploited by unscrupulous employers who have made deductions from their workers’ pay packets or tried to force them to work excessive hours in breach of health and safety laws.

Fighting discrimination is part and parcel of the mainstream work of the Union. But SIPTU has also taken some specific measures to support this activity – like creating our Equality Unit to provide a range of specialist advice and information on all of these areas, as well as co-ordinating the Union’s responses on these issues at national level.

The Unit also works closely with SIPTU’s National Women’s Committee to develop actions on matters of particular concern to women workers.

SIPTU’s social solidarity service – the Irish Trade Union Trust – is also involved in a number of projects relating to issues like racism, sectarianism, cross-border development and support for disadvantaged communities, as well as action on behalf of retired workers, people with disabilities and the unemployed.

The Union offers a range of education and training courses for members dealing with various aspects of equality – including gender issues, the rights of people with disabilities and combatting racism.

SIPTU is committed to equality in principle and in practice – both in law, in the workplace and in the wider society.


Making Equality a Reality

Equality is a fundamental principle for SIPTU. But more than that, it is part of our daily practice. The Union is committed to combatting unjust discrimination in all of its forms.

For many years, we have played a leading role in the campaign for equal pay and employment opportunities for women – not only seeking improvements in the law but also securing many important breakthroughs in workplaces around the country.

The Union’ successes under equal pay laws have resulted in significant pay-outs for women (and men!). Union action has also brought about better promotional opportunities as well as greater access to up-skilling and training. Traditional barriers between “men’s work” and “women’s work” have been broken down – with the help of SIPTU.

The Union has also campaigned consistently for the introduction of more childcare facilities – as well as improved maternity, paternity and parental leave – and other measures to assist working parents.

While our members have enjoyed some successes on these issues, there is still more work to be done.

SIPTU has also begun to take action to tackle discrimination against many other groups within society on grounds such as race or ethnic origin, religion, disabilities, sexual orientation, marital status or even membership of a trade union!

The Union is now building up a similar track record of successes in securing entitlements for workers in these categories who have been exploited by unscrupulous employers who have made deductions from their workers’ pay packets or tried to force them to work excessive hours in breach of health and safety laws.

Fighting discrimination is part and parcel of the mainstream work of the Union. But SIPTU has also taken some specific measures to support this activity – like creating our Equality Unit to provide a range of specialist advice and information on all of these areas, as well as co-ordinating the Union’s responses on these issues at national level.

The Unit also works closely with SIPTU’s National Women’s Committee to develop actions on matters of particular concern to women workers.

SIPTU’s social solidarity service – the Irish Trade Union Trust – is also involved in a number of projects relating to issues like racism, sectarianism, cross-border development and support for disadvantaged communities, as well as action on behalf of retired workers, people with disabilities and the unemployed.

The Union offers a range of education and training courses for members dealing with various aspects of equality – including gender issues, the rights of people with disabilities and combatting racism.

SIPTU is committed to equality in principle and in practice – both in law, in the workplace and in the wider society.




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