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SIPTU - an organising Union

SIPTU is an organising Union. It aims to organise employees so that together they can use their individual and collective voice to secure good pay and conditions of employment, with real respect, equality and dignity at work, in a safe and healthy work environment.

It also provides guidance on organising other employees into active participation in SIPTU so that they too can have the advantages and benefits of union organisation.

The reason organising is so important to SIPTU is to ensure that the Union is strong enough to exercise decisive influence on behalf of its members in individual employments, in broad sectors of the economy and in its dealings with Government on issues of major concern to workers such as taxation, childcare, social welfare, housing, and education.

  • For more information on joining the Union click on the left hand section
  • For more information on the range of supports available to Union members in their workplace such as education and training, information on equality issues, health and safety and work organisation, click on Support Services

Why should I organise a trade union in my workplace?

By joining together in a union, we can make a real difference in our workplaces. When we are together, management find it hard to ignore us -- and new laws mean that if employers won't speak to their employees about issues at work, they have to speak to the Labour Court about them instead. SIPTU can help you and your colleagues stand together -- we call this organisng

SIPTU helps workers in every industry in every part of Ireland. We would particularly like to hear from you if you work in Construction, Private Healthcare (including Nursing Homes), Hotels or the Community & Voluntary Sector.   

How do I start organising a Union in my work place?

Organising is your legal right, guarenteed under the Irish Constitution. Furthermore, no matter what management might say, it is against the law to be dismissed or victimised for joining or organising a union at work.

If you are serious about organising you will need to be a model employee, you cannot give management a reason to fire you.

Here are the steps you should take to build union organisation.

  • Talk about the work issues that people are interested in. You need to get people thinking about the problems in work.  
  • Compare your job with other unionised jobs.  Is the pay better? Do they get sick pay, or overtime?  
  • Ask other workers if management will listen to them as a group. Is it easier for management to ignore an individual or a united group of workers?  
  • Sound out your colleagues by asking if you should have a meeting about the main issues.  
  • Get together as a group and decide if you all want to organise with SIPTU.

It can take some time to build a strong union presence in your workplace, but with the help of SIPTU you can make real improvements at work.

If you want to organise your workplace, you can talk to a SIPTU Organiser about how uniting with your colleagues will help you tackle your issues.

Before you call

It would be helpful if you have a few details ready before you contact an organiser.

  1. What are the main issues that workers have?
  2. How many workers are there, what department are they in? What grade are they?
  3. Does your company have other branches or subsidiaries?
  4. How many people would be interested in joining a union? How many would be against it?

If you believe that the your colleagues are interested in joining a union and are willing to unite together to organise, then contact the SIPTU Organising Unit at 1890 747881 or your local SIPTU Branch.


More reasons to join

If you would like to know more about how SIPTU can benifit you click here


Tax Relief on Union Contributions

Union contributions are tax deductible in the Republic of Ireland. You can claim tax relief by texting the word CREDIT - your PPS number - UNION and send to 51829


Union Contribution Rates and Financial Benefits 2008

Wages per week Class/Contribution (per week) Dispute Benefit (per week) Mortality Benefit

Retirement Benefit

Over €500 A1 - €4.70 €200 See Rules 179-185 See Rule 189
Over €325 and up to and including €500 A2 - €4.00 €200 See Rules 179-185 See Rule 189
Over €200 and up to and including €325 A3 - €2.80 €150 See Rules 179-185 See Rule 189
Over €127 and up to and including €190 B - €1.90 €115 See Rules 179-185 See Rule 189
Members earning €127 a week or under pay contributions at a rate of €1 a week and benefits will be paid on a pro rata basis C See Rules 173-177    
Unemployed members D - €0.30   See Rules 179-185  





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